A new chapter has begun for Thomas Tuchel’s England as the Three Lions look to make it two wins from two in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Albania on Friday night – a game that marked the start of the Tuchel era – England welcome Latvia on Monday. With an expansive, attacking style already on display, England will be keen to build on their early momentum and continue their winning run.
ENGLAND VS LATVIA PREVIEW
England kicked off their qualifying campaign with determination. They secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Albania that showcased their attacking intent. German manager Tuchel is not one to tolerate missed opportunities. A moment early in the game saw Phil Foden criticised for opting for a safe pass over a daring forward run. This is a sign that Tuchel is demanding high standards from his players.
The Three Lions have shown plenty of promise, with standout performances from the likes of Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa. Meanwhile, key figures such as Declan Rice, Curtis Jones, Kyle Walker and Jude Bellingham all adapted well to Tuchel’s pressing system. Even Myles Lewis-Skelly, who recently featured for the England U19s, has proven he belongs at this level. He scored the opening goal, with Harry Kane on the scoresheet too.
It wasn’t wholly positive though. Anthony Gordon has gone back to Newcastle having sustained a hip injury against Albania.
Tuchel is expected to rotate his team now attention turns to Latvia. The visitors are not expected to offer much resistance. This should allow Tuchel’s men to test their expansive style and ruthlessness in front of a packed Wembley crowd. Latvia are missing a few key players due to injury – including the likes of Roberts Uldrikis and captain Kristers Tobers. However, they are still likely to field a line-up that has already shown glimpses of potential.
This will be the first ever official international fixture between England and Latvia, adding extra intrigue to the encounter. England come into this match on a four-match winning streak, having scored 13 goals and conceded just one. They have kept three clean sheets in a row.
Latvia, meanwhile, have tasted victory recently. Their win over Andorra on Friday marked their first success in five games and their first away win in 12 matches.
ENGLAND VS LATVIA PREDICTIONS
England Win
It’s very hard to see beyond the might of England here. Buoyed by home advantage, the Three Lions are favourites to secure another comprehensive victory. With Tuchel determined to build on his promising start, all signs point to an England win.
Draw
If Latvia manage to frustrate England’s attacking efforts for an extended period, the game could settle into a low-scoring draw. However, given England’s superior quality and home form, a draw seems less likely.
Latvia Win
While an upset is always possible, Latvia’s inconsistent form and the sheer quality of England make a Latvian win the least likely outcome.
ENGLAND VS LATVIA – BETTING TIPS
England to Win
Considering England’s impressive start to their campaign and the advantage of playing at Wembley, backing England to win in the three-way market offers excellent value.
England to Win to Nil
England have won their last three games without conceding. Given their solid defensive display against Albania, a bet on England to win with a clean sheet is an attractive option.
Over 2.5 Goals
With England’s prolific scoring record (13 goals in four matches) and Latvia’s vulnerability, over 2.5 goals is worth considering.
ENGLAND VS LATVIA – HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
- This will be the first official international meeting between England and Latvia.
- England are on a four-match winning streak, having scored 13 goals and conceded just one in their recent games.
- England are looking for their 33rd successive home win in the group stages of World Cup qualifiers.
- Latvia’s recent win over Andorra was their first victory in five games. It marked their first away win in 12 matches.
- Latvia are unbeaten in five away World Cup qualifying matches.
