Harry Kane on 'great achievement' of securing World Cup qualification

England captain Harry Kane helped fire the Three Lions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with two goals in the 5-0 win over Latvia that secured a spot in North America next summer.

The Three Lions made it six wins from six in their qualifying group, to seal top spot with two games remaining, and for Kane what will be his sixth senior major tournament.

“Another tournament! I said it before, we make it look easy but these games can be tough,” said Kane after the game.

“These groups can be tough and we have to be fully focused in every game we play and I thought today we were at a very high level.

“We talk about no matter who we play, setting a high standard to keep the momentum we've built and I think that showed this week.

“Qualifying with two games to go is a great achievement. Zero goals conceded and we're playing some great football. We can only take care of the opposition in front of us and we've done that very well so far.”

The Bayern Munich striker has been in remarkable form so far this season, with his latest strikes taking his England tally to 76 goals in 110 games.

And he believes he’s feeling good at present which is reflecting well with his record on the pitch

“I'd say so, the numbers are, obviously,” he added.

“The way I'm feeling on the pitch seeing the passes and the runs, physically I'm in a good place and hopefully I can keep it going.”

England will now turn their attention to the final qualifiers in November against Serbia and Albania, before they head into 2026 knowing there’s an international window in March before the summer is upon us.

And Kane anticipates some fierce competition for places as players look to plant themselves firmly in head coach Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts for the World Cup.

“You want competition in every place, every position and I think we have that,” he said.

“We've still got some fantastic players who aren't here who will be itching to get back in the squad in November and we're going to need them as well.

“As we know, going up to major tournaments, there's going to be chop and change, we've got some fantastic players who aren't quite fit and should be fit next month.

“That's the competition, keep pushing each other and see where it takes us.”

Kane also had a special word for the England fans in Riga, with over 2500 supporters making the trip to the Baltic to see them in action.

“I don't think you can question away support ever, the way they were tonight was fantastic,” said Kane.

“We've qualified for another major tournament and we know the England fans enjoy going out.

“America's going to be a special place to play in and we've got something to look forward to now, so credit to them for travelling out here and showing the noise they did.”