England beat Latvia to Maintain Perfect Start Under Tuchel

England secured a 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley, making it two wins from two in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and maintaining a perfect start under new manager Thomas Tuchel. However, the scoreline flattered the hosts, who struggled to break down a resolute Latvian defense for long periods.

Captain Reece James, making his first England start since September 2022, opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a superb curling free-kick from 20 yards. The goal was a testament to James’ quality and a vindication of Tuchel’s faith in the Chelsea full-back, who has recently returned from a series of hamstring injuries.

England, despite dominating possession, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a Latvia side ranked 140th in the world. The visitors adopted a similar low-block defensive strategy to Albania, who England defeated 2-0 on Friday.

Captain Harry Kane doubled England’s lead in the 68th minute, turning in Declan Rice’s cross for his 71st goal in 105 international appearances. Substitute Eberechi Eze scored his first England goal in the 76th minute, his deflected shot sealing a comfortable, if uninspired, victory.

Tuchel’s England: Solid Start, Room for Improvement

The win means Tuchel becomes the first England men’s manager to win his first two competitive games since Fabio Capello in 2008. While the six points from two matches against significantly weaker opposition were expected, the performances have highlighted areas for improvement.

England’s attack, despite the scoreline, lacked fluidity and incisiveness for large parts of the match. Tuchel kept faith with Marcus Rashford, while Jarrod Bowen replaced Phil Foden.

James’ return to fitness and form is a major positive for Tuchel. The manager is a known admirer of the defender, having worked with him at Chelsea, where they won the Champions League in 2021. James’ physicality, technical ability, and attacking threat from full-back make him a key asset.

Tuchel’s primary objective is to win the 2026 World Cup at the conclusion of his 18-month contract. While these opening qualifiers have provided victories, sterner tests await, and England will need to demonstrate greater creativity and ruthlessness in attack to achieve their ultimate goal.