England seal place at World Cup as Harry Kane makes historical past in Latvia thrashing

England have secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia.

Three Lions captain Harry Kane was the star of the present as he scored two objectives to make historical past for his nation.

Kane has netted 18 occasions for England since becoming a member of Bayern Munich in 2023, probably the most for a non-English membership.

He has overtaken Gary Lineker, who led the best way on 17 objectives while at Barcelona since 1989.

Kane scored after Anthony Gordon fired the guests in entrance with a advantageous strike halfway by way of the primary half.

Their fourth got here by way of a Latvian participant, as Maksims Tonisevs discovered the again of his personal internet earlier than Eberechi Eze made it 5 on the evening.

At full-time, England had been confirmed as the newest aspect to robotically qualify for the 48-team World Cup subsequent summer season.

They’ve received all six of their matches in Group Okay, taking 18 factors from a attainable 18.

Moreover, they’ve scored 18 objectives and stored a sixth consecutive clear sheet.

England are seven factors away from Albania, who might attain the play-offs as they sit second in Group Okay.

With either side solely having six factors left to win, Albania aren’t capable of meet up with England and robotically qualify.

Serbia are additionally in with the prospect of ending second within the group.

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What’s subsequent for England?

Though their World Cup qualification is now confirmed, England nonetheless have two extra fixtures in Group Okay.

They face Serbia and Andorra within the November worldwide break, with the previous making the go to to Wembley.

England is not going to return to motion till March, with their opponents for the primary break of 2026 but to be confirmed.

However as soon as they’re performed, they’ll give attention to their report eighth consecutive World Cup look.

The match, hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico, will start on June 11 and finish on July 19.

It is going to be the primary version to have 48 groups competing in 12 teams of 4 earlier than the knockout phases.

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