England’s World Cup qualification permutations vs Latvia explained
England have World Cup glory firmly in their crosshairs under Thomas Tuchel but the Three Lions first need to make sure that they qualify for next summer’s tournament
England are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup. The Three Lions sit top of their qualifying group with just three games remaining.
And with boss Thomas Tuchel having already underlined his desire to lead England to glory, qualification will be the first job done for the German. While Tuchel’s side have impressed in qualifying so far, their place at the tournament is not yet secure.
It could however come very soon indeed. England take on Latvia on Tuesday evening, with the game representing a golden chance to book their place in plenty of time for next summer’s showpiece.
But what do Tuchel’s sidey need to do to seal a spot at the World Cup? Find out the full details:
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How does qualification work?
When it comes to UEFA nations, the 12 group winners will seal automatic spots at the tournament. The 12 runners-up will go into the play-offs that will take place next March.
What do England need?
Before Serbia’s defeat to Albania, England needed the former to drop points and win in Riga to make sure they qualified for the World Cup during the current international break. But with Albania winning, three points is all it would take to see the Three Lions over the line.
Victory would see England extend their qualifying record increase to six wins in six – and would put them seven points clear of nearest rivals Albania.
Anything but a win against Latvia would see England’s task for qualification extend into the November international break. A point would mean that another draw with Serbia would all-but get them over the line due to their much superior goal difference.
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Who has already qualified?
A number of nations have already guaranteed their spots, co-hosts Mexico, Canada and the USA have automatic places.
Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina, Uzbekistan, South Korea and Jordan were all among the early qualifiers. Australia, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia will all also be at the tournament. African nations Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana have all qualified.
What’s Tuchel said?
Tuchel has already been evaluating England’s chances at next summer’s tournament and claimed his side are still not among the favourites. He said: “If you’ve never won Wimbledon, you may be one of the favourites but you are not the favourite.
“You can go and if you come close, OK, you are within the pool, but you are not the favourite. It is just how it is. There is Brazil, there is Argentina, Spain, France and they just did it recently.
“It doesn’t mean we have no chance and we know very well. First we will qualify and then we will know exactly why we go there.”
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