Thomas Tuchel: 'We're on our way'

England head coach Thomas Tuchel reflected on his team’s achievement of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, following their 5-0 win over Latvia.

Goals from Anthony Gordon, a brace from Harry Kane, an own goal and a late strike from substitute Ebere Eze in Riga was enough to see the Three Lions secure their place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

And with six wins from six games so far in qualifying, England have achieved their first goal under Tuchel’s tutelage with two matches to spare.

“Brilliant, such a good mood in the dressing room,” said Tuchel, after the game.

“It feels very different because it's our dream to go to [North] America and now we've made it, another good performance and a top result. We now have six wins and six clean sheets so we're very happy.

“We're dominant in games, we're hungry, we invest against the ball, we have a lot of ball wins in the opponent's half.

“You look at our last goal, Harry Kane controlled the way back in his own half after a mistake from a teammate, helps defend the ball and wins the ball for the goal for Ebs.

“It's good and we're on our way.”

What has pleased Tuchel most throughout the campaign has been the team spirit and competition for places, not just in the starting lineup on the pitch, but within the squad as a whole, likening it to that of a club.

“It's a club feel because we play very aggressive, we play a high press. It's a very physical game that we play. It's very demanding but it gets everyone going.

“Everyone needs to go and buy into the idea because otherwise we can't press so high so we have a lot of ball wins.

“The guys train on a high level and the group is a very good group. It's a pleasure to coach them. That's the result, it's step by step and we're getting there.”