Latvia v England match summary
The equation for England is very simple: win in Latvia tomorrow and guarantee a place in the World Cup finals that will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Thomas Tuchel’s side went into the current international break knowing there were several different scenarios that could see them through, but Serbia’s 1-0 defeat to Albania on Saturday made things easier.
England is at the top of Group K After winning all five qualifiers without conceding a goal.
They head to Riga on the back of A The team achieved a friendly victory over Wales 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Thursday evening.
It all comes together well for Tuchel, who appears to have found a solid formula despite the absence of several high-profile players such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.
However, there is one man who appears to be indispensable to the Three Lions, and that is Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Rice captained England against Wales in the absence of Harry Kane, who is expected to return from an ankle injury against Latvia.
The Arsenal midfielder has been playing in a slightly more advanced role for both club and country this season and is enjoying the freedom given to him.
“I think I’m more like the number eight now,” he said.
“The coach has adjusted my position at Arsenal a little bit this year to give me more freedom to drop deeper but also to get into the box when I can, and it’s the same with Thomas (Tuchel).
“This really suits me on the left side of midfield, being able to come back, and be an all-round midfielder, (which is) what I want to be.
“I just enjoy my football and this is another season where we started strong with England and with Arsenal. Hopefully there are positive things to come.”
Latvia occupies fourth place in the group, and although it is far from competing for a place in the playoffs, this match will be considered a free kick against one of the European heavyweights.
They will have to improve their performance significantly, having drawn 2-2 at home to minnows Andorra on Saturday.
Team news Latvia vs England
Kane is scheduled to return to the team at the expense of Ollie Watkins, who left at half-time against Wales after colliding with the post.
Tuchel has been keen to reward those who have performed well, so he is likely to go with the bulk of the team that won last Thursday.
Latvia has no new injury concerns after the weekend’s match.
The expected lineup for the match between Latvia and England
Latvia: Sweden; Savalniks, Pigeon, Cernomordy, Yurkovsky, Ceganek; Zelenkov, Varslavan; Aconex; Gutkowski, Tse
England: Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Stones, Spence; Anderson, Rice; Sacca, Rogers, Gordon; Ken
How to watch Latvia vs England: IPTV
The Latvia-England match kicks off at 7.45pm tomorrow night. It can be watched free to air on ITV1 and streamed on the ITVX app.
Latvia vs England statistics
- Thomas Tuchel is the third manager to win six of his first seven England caps after Glenn Hoddle (1996-97) and Sven-Goran Eriksson (2001 – also both six).
- This is only the second ever meeting between Latvia and England, with England winning the first 3-0 in March earlier this year.
- The last time Latvia avoided defeat against a top 10 country was in 2004, when it drew 0-0 with Germany.
Predict the result of the Latvia v England match
This should be a routine night for England, ending with a qualification celebration.
The Three Lions should be very strong for Latvia, and we expect Tuchel’s side to start quickly and finish the game before half-time.
Prediction: Latvia 0-4 England
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