England beat Latvia to go clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group K

Reece James scored a spectacular first half free kick to set England on their way to a comfortable 3-0 Wembley win

The win made it two from two for manager Thomas Tuchel, the first man to achieve such a feat as England manager since Fabio Capello 15 years ago.

After a moderately paced first quarter to the match it was Chelsea’s Reece James who gave things some much-needed impetus with a fabulous free kick round the top corner of the wall and just inside the post, to give the goalkeeper no chance. It was the first goal direct from a free kick by an England defender since Stuart Pearce against Turkey in 1992.

The score stayed that way until the break but, growing in confidence, Tuchel’s men increasingly asked questions of their opponents. Their efforts were rewarded when Harry Kane was given a tap-in for a 71st goal for his country, before Eberechi Eze added a third late on.

A win against the team ranked 140th in the world gives the hosts little to brag about but they could do no more than win. They should have no problem wrapping up this group and earning qualification in quick time.

Published: 24/03/2025 by Radio NewsHub