England booked their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia in qualifying on Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side went into the game knowing that three points would confirm their qualification for the showpiece event in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer and achieved just that with goals from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze.
The all-important win in Latvia was England’s sixth from six games in qualifying and maintained their record as the only unbeaten side in Group K. They have yet to concede a goal.
“Brilliant. Such a good mood in the dressing room. It feels very different because it is our dream to go to America and now we made it with another good performance and top result. Very happy,” Tuchel told ITV.
“We are dominant in games, we are hungry. We have a lot of ball wins in the opponent’s half. It is good. We are on our way.
“It is a club feel because we play very aggressive with a high press. It is a very physical game. Everyone needs to buy into the idea because otherwise you cannot press so high. The guys train on a high level and the group is a very good group and it is a pleasure to coach them.
“Step by step we are getting there.”
England won’t know their group stage opponents until the World Cup draw takes place on Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.
They will cap their successful qualifying campaign with games against Serbia on Nov. 13 and Albania on Nov. 16.
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Tuchel and England’s quest to win the World Cup for the first time in over 50 years will begin in June, with the final set for New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19.
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