England player ratings: Reece James impresses in 3-0 win over Latvia | OneFootball

England’s first international break under new boss Thomas Tuchel was a successful one as they made it two wins in two in the World Cup qualifiers. Reece James, Harry Kane, and Eberechi Eze found the net for the Three Lions in their 3-0 win over Latvia. Their next match is on June 7th, an away fixture against Andorra in the World Cup qualifiers, following the end of club football.

Coming into the game, England were unbeaten in 32 World Cup qualifiers, their latest being a 2-0 victory over Albania last Friday. The last time they lost a home World Cup qualifier was over a quarter of a century ago, a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final international match played at the old Wembley Stadium. Their opponents, Latvia, ranked 140th in the FIFA World Rankings, have never played in a World Cup but did participate in Euro 2004.

Match report

England started the game on the front foot, as expected. Marcus Rashford was heavily involved, seeing more of the ball and causing trouble for the Latvian defense. On the other flank, Jarrod Bowen was also a constant threat to the visitors, while Harry Kane was tightly marked throughout.

The breakthrough came when Myles Lewis-Skelly was fouled around 25 yards from goal. Reece James, named in the starting lineup for the first time since 2022, made the most of his opportunity with a delightful curling free-kick over the wall, much to the delight of Tuchel and his teammates.

Latvia did not have many opportunities to attack. Their best chance came earlier in the game when the score was still 0-0, following a miscommunication between Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford. However, Krisjanis Zviedris could only find the side netting from a tight angle despite an open goal. The first half ended 1-0, with England dominating possession and creating chances but struggling to add to their lead.

The second half began with Bowen and Rashford switching flanks, which slowed down England’s attacks from the right slightly. Bowen still looked strong, but no goals came from this tactical adjustment despite England’s continued possession and pressure.

Soon, England doubled their lead. Reece James started the move from deep, finding Rashford, who laid the ball off to Morgan Rogers. The Aston Villa man played a precise pass to Declan Rice, who made an excellent run before delivering a superb ball across the six-yard box for Harry Kane to tap into an open net.

Within seven minutes, the hosts added a third. Eberechi Eze picked up the ball near the touchline, weaved his way into the box, and found the net via a deflection. It was his first goal for England. Tuchel’s side then controlled the game well to see out the win and wrap up the March international break on a high note.

England player ratings (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford – 7/10

A miscommunication with Guehi in the first half nearly proved costly, but Latvia failed to capitalize. Otherwise, he had a quiet day and will be pleased with another clean sheet.

Reece James – 9/10

Started deep but delivered excellent crosses from the right whenever possible. Scored a spectacular free kick for England’s opener and initiated the move for the second goal. Defended well and adapted after switching flanks.

Ezri Konsa – 7.5/10

Had a header saved by the Latvian goalkeeper and missed a chance to score from a corner. Another assured defensive performance.

Marc Guehi – 7/10

His miscommunication with Pickford almost led to a Latvian goal but otherwise had a solid outing. Had to work harder than any other defender in the backline.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7/10

Played centrally from the left-back and won the free kick that led to the opening goal. Another impressive display, never putting a foot wrong.

Declan Rice – 8/10

Controlled the game well, kept possession ticking, and made an excellent run before assisting Kane for England’s second goal.

Jude Bellingham – 7/10

Started deep than last game. Had a header accidentally blocked by Rashford in the first half. Involved in most attacking moves but was booked just before halftime. Substituted later in the game.

Jarrod Bowen – 7/10

More involved than Phil Foden, who started the previous game. Switched to the left in the second half and continued to look dangerous. Substituted in the 60th minute.

Morgan Rogers – 8/10

More advanced than Rice and Bellingham, he forced multiple saves from the Latvian goalkeeper. Looked lively throughout, tracked back well, and set up Rice before the second goal.

Marcus Rashford – 7/10

Unintentionally blocked Bellingham’s header early on but was highly involved, troubling the Latvian defense. Struggled slightly after switching flanks in the second half but played a great pass to set up Rogers before England’s second goal.

Harry Kane – 7.5/10

Missed a great headed chance from a James cross in the first half. Was marked tightly throughout. Had a shot wide from the edge of the box in the second half but positioned himself well to score England’s second goal.

Sub: Eberechi Eze – 7.5/10 (On 60’ for Jarrod Bowen)

Missed a chance inside the box shortly after coming on but later scored a brilliant goal after cutting inside from the wing. Lively throughout.

Sub: Phil Foden – 6/10 (On 67’ for Jude Bellingham)

Worked hard off the ball and pressed well. A better showing than in the Albania game.

Sub: Curtis Jones – 5/10 (On 79’ for Marcus Rashford)

Had little impact after coming on.

Sub: Jordan Henderson – 5.5/10 (On 79’ for Declan Rice)

Kept the ball moving in midfield after being introduced late on.

Sub: Kyle Walker – 5.5/10 (On 79’ for Myles Lewis-Skelly)

Had little to do but remained composed when needed.

Manager: Thomas Tuchel – 7.5/10