LONDON — Reece James scored a superb free kick and Eberechi Eze grabbed his maiden worldwide purpose as England beat Latvia 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium on Monday.
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James, making his first begin in 2 1/2 years, curled a 25-meter free kick into the highest nook after 37 minutes. The purpose was his first in 18 England appearances and broke down a stuffy Latvia aspect.
Halfway by way of the second half, with the house crowd beginning to get stressed, younger midfielder Morgan Rogers mixed effectively with Declan Rice to pave the best way for a Harry Kane tap-in.
Then Eze lower in from the fitting and his shot hit the again of the web after taking a slight deflection.
England is the new favourite to win Europe Group Ok and qualify for the 2026 World Cup. New coach Thomas Tuchel, in simply his second recreation in cost, will likely be content material with the outcome if not the efficiency towards a aspect 136 locations behind it within the FIFA rankings. Albania report first win
In the identical group, Albania bounced again from dropping to England 2-0 on Friday by beating Andorra 3-0 at residence. Rey Manaj scored twice within the first half and Myrto Uzuni added a 3rd in second-half stoppage time.
In Group G, Poland received for the second time in three days thanks to 2 targets from Karol Świderski towards Malta. Świderski scored in every half.
Earlier, Finland gave up a two-goal lead in Lithuania and drew 2-2, lacking the possibility to keep up a 100% report.
Kaan Kairinen put the Finns forward after 4 minutes and Joel Pohjanpalo doubled their lead from the penalty spot 13 minutes later. However Armandas Kučys pulled a purpose again for Lithuania simply earlier than halftime and Gvidas Gineitis equalized with a 30-meter strike within the 69th.
Poland tops Group G with six factors, two forward of Finland, one of many groups that has by no means earlier than certified for the World Cup. Bosnia wins once more
In Group H, Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Cyprus 2-1 at residence to remain excellent.
Ermedin Demirović put the Bosnians 1-0 up halfway by way of the primary half and Ioannis Pittas headed residence an equalizer for Cyprus on the stroke of halftime. Nevertheless, Haris Hajradinović fired into the highest nook early within the second half so as to add to their opening win over Romania final week.
Romania bought its first factors after profitable at San Marino 5-1. The fifth group in Group H, Austria, has nonetheless to kick off its marketing campaign.
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