Thomas Tuchel's side are in control against their Eastern European opponents.

• Last Update: October 14, 2025 09:06:32 pm BST • 1 min read

Gordon’s bright start rewarded as Three Lions inch towards 2026 World Cup

Anthony Gordon has fired England towards the 2026 World Cup after scoring 25 minutes into the Three Lions’ clash with Latvia.

Thomas Tuchel’s men had been struggling to break down their defensively shaped Eastern European opponents, but the Newcastle winger had a plan of his own to break the deadlock.

Having been England’s brightest player, the man who came in to replace Marcus Rashford from the 3-0 win over Wales beat the offside trap down the left-hand side.

He cut inside, before curling a right-footed effort into the far corner, leaving the Latvian goalkeeper with no chance of stopping his shot.

England only need a win to secure their place in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer, and they look on course to cruise to victory.

But there is still plenty of time left in the match, with Latvia now on the offensive in search of an equaliser.