Thomas Tuchel became the first England manager to win his opening two competitive games in the job since Fabio Capello in 2008, as the Three Lions won 3-0 against Latvia at Wembley.
In the two nations’ first meeting at senior level, it took England until the seven minutes before half-time to edge in front. They did so through Reece James, who bent home a breathtaking free-kick to open his account for his country.
England doubled their lead on 68 minutes when Declan Rice squared for Harry Kane to tap home, and then substitute Eberechi Eze scored a deflected strike to join James in having scored his maiden international goal.
Despite constant late pressure as they searched for a fourth, the Three Lions had to settle for a 3-0 victory, but the relentless intent with which they approached the final half-hour will have pleased Tuchel, whose side have made a perfect start to World Cup qualifying.
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at Wembley to rate the England players’ performances...
Jordan Pickford - 6
Caught out in the first half and almost conceded. Made amends with a decent save from a shot from range. Simple night otherwise. Cleansheet.
Reece James - 8
England’s man of the match. Set England on their way when they needed inspiration by curling home a peach of a free-kick: his first goal for his country. Tough-tackling, and clipped the ball over the top for Marcus Rashford that led to the second goal. His first England start in almost three years. Finished up in midfield, where he looked assured.
Ezri Konsa - 6
Came mightily close to his first England goal, denied on the volley by a majestic save from a corner. Then goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris saved from him again after the interval. Defended well.
Marc Guehi - 7
One poor moment between himself and Pickford allowed Vladislavs Gutkovskis an open goal from a tight angle, which fortunately he missed. Other than that, this was a very composed display by Guehi, whose recovery pace was an asset.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 6
Just as on Friday, played predominantly as an inverted full-back, venturing into midfield. Some impressive moments again but a couple of times the ball just ran away from the Arsenal teenager.
Declan Rice - 7
Deserved an assist from wicked corner delivery in the first half, but it bypassed everyone. Very efficient again at the base of midfield, winning the ball and dictating the tempo for England, and assisting Kane’s goal with a fantastic low ball across the six-yard box.
Jude Bellingham - 6
Tried to make things happen, breezing past players with ease. But just like at last summer’s Euros, it often felt like he was holding onto the ball that bit too long. Subbed off for Phil Foden after 67 minutes.
Morgan Rogers - 7
Certainly had his chances of capping his first England start with a maiden international goal, and by the end it was remarkable that he hadn’t. Tried to beat players on the outside where he could, and was more effective between the lines in the second half, playing the decisive ball that made Kane’s goal possible.
Jarrod Bowen - 5
Some nice touches here and there, and one snap-shot which whistled wide, but the West Ham captain was quiet for the hour he played at Wembley.
Harry Kane - 6
Squandered a first-half header by nodding over when he ought to have scored, then curled wide after the break. But made his mark on the evening by netting his 71st goal for his country from close range. One or two moments of good hold-up play, as is customary.
Marcus Rashford - 7
Found some nice crosses and could hardly have put any more in, but his end product was sometimes found wanting at key moments. Consecutive starts for England this month for the first time in 18 months will have given him confidence. Involved in the second goal and was typically direct.
Subs:
Eberechi Eze (Bowen, 60’) 7
Scored his first goal for his country with a deflected strike after a mazy run which displayed good footwork. Constantly on the front-foot.
Phil Foden (Bellingham, 67’) 6
Got his name among the goal contributions, assisting Eze, though the Palace man did most of the work and rightly got the plaudits. Pressed intently.
Curtis Jones (Rashford, 79’) N/A
Jordan Henderson (Rice, 79’) N/A
Kyle Walker (Lewis-Skelly, 79’) N/A
Not used: D Henderson, Trafford, Burn, Colwill, Gibbs-White, Solanke, Quansah
