Preview for Latvia v England
The equation for England may be very easy: win in Latvia tomorrow and they are going to be assured a spot on the World Cup finals in america, Canada and Mexico subsequent summer time.
Thomas Tuchel’s aspect went into the present worldwide break realizing there have been varied completely different situations that might see them qualify however Serbia’s 1-0 defeat to Albania on Saturday has simplified issues.
England sit top of Group K having gained all 5 qualifiers with out conceding a objective.
They head to Riga on the again of a 3-0 friendly defeat of Wales at Wembley on Thursday night.
It’s all coming collectively properly for Tuchel, who seems to discovered a strong formulation regardless of the absence of a number of high-profile gamers reminiscent of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.
One man who seems indispensable for the Three Lions, nevertheless, is Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Rice captained England towards Wales within the absence of Harry Kane, who is predicted to return from an ankle damage towards Latvia.
The Arsenal midfielder is taking part in a barely extra superior position for each membership and nation this season and relishing the liberty he has been given.
“I believe now I’m extra of a box-to-box quantity eight,” he mentioned.
“The supervisor has adjusted my place at Arsenal a bit this 12 months to offer me a bit extra freedom to drop deeper however to additionally get within the field once I can and it’s the identical with Thomas [Tuchel].
“That actually fits me on the left aspect of midfield, with the ability to get again, be an all-round motion midfielder, [which] is what I need to be.
“I’m simply having fun with my soccer and it’s one other season the place we now have began sturdy with England and with a workforce at Arsenal. Hopefully there’s optimistic issues coming.”
Latvia are fourth within the group and, whereas they’re all however out of the equation for a play-off spot, will view this recreation as a free hit towards one of many European heavyweights.
They must enhance their efficiency significantly, although, from that which noticed them draw 2-2 at residence to minnows Andorra on Saturday.
Staff Information for Latvia v England
Kane is about to come back again into the aspect on the expense of Ollie Watkins, who went off at half-time towards Wales after colliding with a submit.
Tuchel has been desirous to reward those that have carried out properly so he’s more likely to go along with the majority of the aspect that gained final Thursday.
Latvia don’t have any contemporary damage considerations following the weekend recreation.
Predicted line-ups for Latvia v England
Latvia: Zviedris; Savalnieks, Balodis, Cernomordijs, Jurkovskis, Ciganiks; Zelenkovs, Varslavans; Ikaunieks; Gutkovskis, Sits
England: Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Stones, Spence; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Rogers, Gordon; Kane
Learn how to watch Latvia v England: TV and on-line streams
Latvia versus England kicks off at 7.45pm tomorrow evening. It may be watched free-to-air on ITV1 and streamed on the ITVX app.
Stats for Latvia v England
- Thomas Tuchel is the third supervisor to win as many as six of his first seven video games in control of England after Glenn Hoddle (1996-1997) and Sven-Goran Eriksson (2001 – each additionally six)
- That is solely the second ever assembly between Latvia and England, with England successful the primary 3-0 in March earlier this 12 months
- Latvia final prevented defeat towards a top-10 ranked nation in 2004, a 0-0 draw towards Germany
Prediction for Latvia v England
This must be a routine evening for England, and one which ends in celebration with qualification secured.
The Three Lions must be too sturdy for Latvia and count on Tuchel’s aspect to begin shortly and put the sport to mattress earlier than half-time.
Prediction: Latvia 0-4 England
