🔗 Share this article Player Assessments: The Three Lions Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament The national team secured their berth at the global tournament with a decisive victory over Latvia on Tuesday night. England's Starting XI Jordan Pickford – Pulled off a couple of good stops in the second half to maintain his impressive clean sheet streak. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5 Djed Spence – Seems at home in international football like a duck to water. Sterner tests are coming, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7 John Stones – Two games in a short span will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Remains one of the first names on the roster, fitness permitting. 7 Aston Villa's defender – Selected ahead of the other option and performed solidly. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7 The young defender – Looked a slightly ring rusty at times, expected given his limited game time at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6 Elliott Anderson – Seems undroppable in this England team at the moment. Appears suited to this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7 Declan Rice – Thriving in his number eight role. The pillar of England's midfield is demonstrating his creative abilities now. Emerging as a real all-round midfielder. 7 The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's successes over previous opponents. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6 Bukayo Saka – Contributed an setup to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's prospects next summer. 7.5 The captain – Playing brilliantly. Took his tally for the season to 20 scores. Has scored 76 occasions for his country. Can he reach 100? 8 Anthony Gordon – Precise finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this international window. 7.5 The Bench Players Jordan Henderson (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6 Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a menace. 7 The winger (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6 Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Typically, handled everything aerially. 6 The forward (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left was noticeable. 6 After qualification secured, the team can now prepare for the World Cup with optimism.