REECE JAMES made history in his first international start in over two years as England sunk Latvia 3-0 in their second World Cup qualifier.
James became the first defender to score a direct free kick for the Three Lions at Wembley since Stuart Pearce against Turkey way back in 1992.
But the Chelsea star didn’t celebrate his curling strike – perhaps something to do with the mixed response from fans questioning his inclusion in the squad.
England had been frustrated by a low Latvian block for much of the opening stages.
Visiting forward Vladislavs Gutkovskis failed to capitalise on the error from a mix-up at the back between Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford.
Before England‘s top goal-getter Harry Kane notched his 71st international strike with a tap-in from Declan Rice‘s squared ball.
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With Latvia tiring and trying to push up the pitch, England carved them open before Eberechi Eze‘s deflected strike saw the Crystal Palace star score his first goal for England, too.
England are now sitting pretty at the top of Group K, with six points from their opening two games under Thomas Tuchel – who became the first boss since Fabio Capello to win his first back-to-back games.
Here’s how SunSport’s Alex Smith rated the Three Lions in their final World Cup qualifying match before facing Andorra on June 7.
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Jordan Pickford – 5
Only really had one thing to do and made a mess of it. Didn’t need to sprint out of his goal.
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Clearly a lack of communication with Marc Guehi and Latvia should have gone 1-0 up.
Could have got his deck chair out for most of the game. In typical Pickford fashion though, still constantly barking orders to those in front of him.
Reece James – 8
An outstanding free-kick that brought audible gasps from the Wembley crowd when replayed on the big screens.
It was a timely reminder of his quality after recent seasons were ruined by injury.
Tucked into a back three at times, looking comfortable with the ball at his feet and had the recovery pace to produce a great sliding tackle in the second-half.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Looking more and more settled in an England shirt.
Nice dribble out from the defence when he saw the space and was physical with the Latvia centre-forward.
Deserves more chances ahead of the World Cup against stronger nations to see if he can make the spot his to lose.
Marc Guehi – 5
Usually looks so composed at the back for the Three Lions but had a night to forget.
A horror mix-up with Pickford presented the visitors with a golden chance to score, only for them to somehow miss an open goal and spare Guehi’s blushes.
Thankfully, it was Gutkovskis and not Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland.
Also made a rash challenge in the first-half and got pressured into running the ball out of play after failing to deal with a hopeful punt up the pitch.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
It was a dream debut for the Arsenal wonderkid on Friday night, capping his debut with a goal.
It was always going to be impossible to match the heights of the last game, but he was still impressive when drifting into midfield versus Latvia.
Brilliant close control, winning free-kicks and getting stuck in as usual. A top talent.
Declan Rice – 7
A simple yet effective performance in midfield.
England had the ball for long periods but when Latvia regained possession he was often there to break up play.
Runs from deep are important to break down low block defences and he did that to set up Kane for his simple finish with a smart ball across the goal, putting it on a plate.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Was lucky to avoid a second yellow card after a wild and unnecessary lunge.
In truth, the ref saved him from an embarrassing red card against a poor opponent.
The Real Madrid star was eventually subbed off early to prevent England from going down to ten-men.
Needs to control his aggression or could end up costing his side in important moments.
Showed his undoubted quality on the ball with some wonderful touches and he never ducks a 50/50.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
Worked hard but didn’t quite take his chance with Bukayo Saka out injured.
Some decent moments but did not have the creativity to unlock a stubborn Latvia defence.
Bowen is way more effective when he has space to run into. Suits playing against stronger sides that will go toe-to-toe with England.
Morgan Rogers – 7
Making his first England start after three previous substitute appearances.
A delight to watch when working in tight spaces and seemingly impossible to knock off the ball.
Drifted into positive positions and always wanted to receive the ball but will be disappointed not to score or assist.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Tuchel said his performance against Albania lacked “impact” and was “not aggressive enough”.
He clearly took the criticism on board and was more direct tonight, looking to take defenders on with a burst of acceleration and doing so regularly.
But the final ball was lacking with crosses either overcooked or hit into a Latvian defender, which started to become incredibly frustrating.
Harry Kane – 6
A real passenger for much of the game despite his goal. Rarely threatened and was crowded out by the Latvian defence.
Began to pick up the ball in better areas in the final 30 minutes and eventually showed why he is a natural goalscorer with nice movement for the tap-in.
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Eberechi Eze (for Bowen ’60) – 8
A real bright spark when he came on and got a deserved goal.
His trickery caused havoc for Latvia and his ability to go either way helped wrap up the game.
Phil Foden (for Bellingham ’67) – 6
Not on the wing this time. Hooray!
Looks better in the No10 role but besides some tidy passes did not do much.
His run of not scoring or assisting for England since 2023 continues.
Jordan Henderson (for Rice ’79) – 6
Another cap to add to his collection. Bossed his team-mates around to help see the game out.
If he continues to make Tuchel’s squads, that will be as far as his role goes.
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Curtis Jones (for Rashford ’79)- 6
No real time to impact the game with it all wrapped up by the time he came on for a midfield stroll.
Kyle Walker (for Lewis-Skelly’ 79) – 6
Did nothing wrong but like Henderson, is an ageing player the answer given all England’s young talent? Give the ten minutes to the future.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
