'They are building something'

England thrash Latvia to reach World Cup

Latvia 0-5 England

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

England confirmed their qualification for next summer's World Cup by overwhelming Latvia in Riga.

Thomas Tuchel's side needed victory to assure their place in the showpiece, the outcome never in doubt as England outclassed a Latvian side ranked 137th in the world.

Amid the celebrations, it was at times an uncomfortable night for Tuchel, who felt anger and frustration from England's travelling fans as they chanted sarcastically, and loudly, in response to the head coach's criticism of "silent" supporters after the friendly against Wales at Wembley.

The bigger picture, however, reveals that England qualified with two games to spare after a flawless first campaign for Tuchel, who succeeded Sir Gareth Southgate in January.

Anthony Gordon put England ahead after 26 minutes with a low, curling finish and captain Harry Kane scored twice more before the interval, first with a strike from the edge of the area then from the spot after his shirt was pulled.

England added a fourth just before the hour when Latvia's Andrejs Ciganiks bundled Djed Spence's cross into his own net.

Substitute Eberechi Eze further emphasised England's dominance with a dribble and low finish to make it 5-0 after 86 minutes.

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Job done indeed it is for Thomas Tuchel and England.

The 5-0 win over Latvia has secured the Three Lions' place at the 2026 World Cup.

We'll be checking out all the best bits from that victory today and we want your reaction off the bat so click 'Get Involved' at the top of the page to send in your thoughts.

First up, for those that missed it, a reminder of how last night unfolded...

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