England vs Latvia LIVE SCORE: Thomas Tuchel makes it two wins in two as Three Lions cruise in qualifier – latest updates
THOMAS TUCHEL records back-to-back wins as the Three Lions continue World Cup qualifying winning form.The Wembley clash opening exchanges were tupsy-turvy as the visitors missed a golden chance from a defensive mix-up. However, on the 38th minute James would provide the decisive touch from 25 yards out. Following the interval, an unmarked Kane would met Declan Rice’s fizzing low cross to tap in from yards out with no more than 20 minutes to go. Seven minutes later, substitute Eze would dance into the box before unleashing a strike past the goalkeeper to secure all three points and sit top of group. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Tougher tests need to lay aheadOne of the worrying things for England is their qualifying group, there is nobody in it to test them at all.That could mean them going into the next World Cup having not faced any opposition that will truly ask any questions of this side.Tuchel and the FA will need to address this with many other nations playing competitive matches against quality opponents.Copy linkCopiedThomas the frank engineOne thing you will always get with Thomas Tuchel is honesty.In his media duties after the match, he pulled no punches in the fact he was not completely happy with what he saw out on the pitch against Latvia.It could be a refreshing era to be an England fan with a manager who will always tell you what he is truly thinking.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNew coach still finding his feetIt is hard to see anything different from this England team with Thomas Tuchel so new to the job.The pain of defeat in the Euros is still raw but fans know something needs to change if they are going to win trophies.As the manager outlined in his post-match media duties, he felt he has learnt a lot about his players over the course of these two matches.Ensuring they qualify will be the main target for his tenure but it remains to be seen if he can get this generation to blossom.Copy linkCopiedEze does it for Three LionsEberechi Eze made the difference for England against Latvia at Wembley this evening.His pace and skill was a constant threat to the visitors, something they struggled to cope with.The Crystal Palace winger has a hunger for beating players whenever he gets the ball, which in a game like this one was a joy to watch.Providing he can stay fit, he has made a big claim for a starting spot in this Thomas Tuchel era.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoals send fans home happyEveryone expected an England win against lowly Latvia.What nobody wanted to see was a mundane performance with few goals and little penetration.Having scored three times, dominated the game and barely had anything to do in a defensive capacity this was job done at Wembley this evening.Copy linkCopiedGunner puts in big shiftDeclan Rice was an integral cog in the England machine tonight.His runs into the channels helped try and break down a dogged Latvian defence at Wembley.Add to that his assist for Kane’s goal, it was an impressive performance from the Arsenal midfielder.Copy linkCopiedJames grabs first Three Lions goalReece James put in a solid performance for Thomas Tuchel’s side against Latvia this evening.It was his stunning free-kick that opened the scoring, despite not really celebrating the moment.The keeper had no chance as his curling effort went into the top corner of the goal.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBoss gives overview of performanceSpeaking with ITV Sport after the game, the England manager gave his thoughts on tonight’s match.I guess so. It was not an easy match, we had to unlock it. We created a lot of chances from set-pieces. In general I am happy with the attitude, we will get there. Especially in the second-half, we started a little too slow. We encourage everyone to have these accelerations and when they did this everything seemed a little easier. It is interesting as I learn about the players and learn about the game, which is good.Thomas TuchelEnglandCopy linkCopiedMissed opportunity for Villa manMarcus Rashford came into this match full of confidence as he looks to rebuild his career during his loan spell at Villa Park.Despite being so involved in the game and seeing so much of the ball, his performance really failed to deliver.Something is missing still, it may take a little bit more than a short holiday in Birmingham to fix.Fortunately Rashford is not walking home tonight, roads could have proved a dilemma, after this showing it is evident he cannot cross anything.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: England 3-0 LatviaThis result will be seen as job done looking at the scoreline.For long periods of the match, Tuchel’s side struggled to break down a side that had everyone behind the ball.James’ superb free-kick broke the deadlock before two second-half goals added more of a gloss to the performance.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 3-0 LatviaThe referee brings the game to a close.Another win for Thomas Tuchel’s England side.Latvia offered little resistance here this evening.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at WembleyAt times, the crowd were more excited about paper planes and Mexican waves. But as the Latvians tired, England provided some more entertainment. As well as Kane and Eberechi Eze’s goals, Morgan Rogers should have scored once and had another effort very well saved. Rashford tried ever so, ever so hard, but nothing quite came off for him. Tuchel was frustrated his team didn’t turn their chances into more goals. But job done.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia90+2. Sits is penalised for a shove on Konsa.He has seen more grass than Snoop Dogg in this second-half.Ironically, Wembley looks like the fire alarm has gone off with more empty seats than filled ones now.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia90. Foden has the chance to put a late corner into the box.The delivery is woeful as it barely gets more than an inch off the floor and is easily cleared by the visitors at the near post.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia88. That was a dreadful miss from the Palace defender.One stand out player in this game, despite only coming on as a substitute, is Eberechi Eze.Latvia have not been able to cope with his pace, trickery and hunger to make something happen.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia86. England have a free-kick which is worked short.The ball is played out to Eze, who puts in an inch-perfect cross into the middle of the goal.Guehi has a completely free-header but, somehow, sends it wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia84. Someone seems to have put ten pence in the bugle player now.Always seems a bizarre thing to bring to a football game.Leaving the house, checking you have all the important things.Wallet, mobile phone, brass band instruments……check.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia82. You could be forgiven for thinking football is no longer a contact sport.The reaction from Konsa when Gutkovskis made life difficult for him on the ball was nothing short of pathetic.It is almost like the modern footballer loses their mind when somebody actually looks to get physical with them.As Roy Keane would say……..babies!!Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia80. There are some tired Latvian legs out there now.England could really rub salt into the wound in the remainder of this game.The visitors had done well to keep the score respectable for such a long period of this match.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia78. Tuchel looks ready to make some more changes.Henderson, Jones and Walker are all ready to come on.They replace Rice, Rashford and Lewis-Skelly.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia76. Eze has looked like a breath of fresh air in this game.He picks up the ball, wide in the box, twisting and turning his man.The Palace winger cuts inside onto his right foot and gets a shot away which beats the Latvian keeper.It took a deflection on the way through but it would be harsh if that one if taken away from him.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Eberechi Eze (England)Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-0 Latvia74. England almost catch out Latvia on the counter.Rashford could not sort out his feet quick enough to play the first-time pass needed to find Foden in acres of space.He ended up backheeling it into the path of Kane but his attempted cross was cut out.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-0 Latvia72. Latvia force their second corner of the game.As the ball is whipped in, Konsa heads it clear.The visitors try a long range effort but it is well blocked.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at WembleyQuite a few paper planes in this second half, which is never a good sign. Thomas Tuchel does not look a happy man, sitting in the dugout scowling like a Dickensian villain. How on earth has Jude Bellingham not been sent off? Already booked for an orange-card-worthy foul in the first half, he’s just done a needless scissor challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis. It’s not what Tuchel meant when he said he wanted Bellingham to channel his emotions. A bit of a surprise that he wasn’t taken off sooner. Although he did tee up Kane for a chance he would usually bury. Phil Foden now on for Bellingham, with the chance to make up for Friday. Kane scores immediately.Copy linkCopied More