England Predicted Lineup vs Latvia – World Cup Qualifier Preview
Kane Returns to Boost England’s Predicted Lineup
England arrive in Riga with qualification for next summer’s World Cup within reach and a sense of reassurance that their captain is back to lead them. Harry Kane, the country’s all-time leading scorer, is set to start after recovering from an ankle injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich.
The striker sat out the 3-0 friendly win against Wales but trained with the full squad at Hotspur Way and travelled as part of the 22-man contingent heading to Latvia. Head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed the positive update on Monday evening, saying there is no reason why Kane cannot play “all 90 minutes” in Riga.
Victory would seal England’s place at the finals, continuing their unbeaten run in qualification under Tuchel, who oversaw a 3-0 win over Latvia at Wembley earlier in the campaign.
Team News and Injury Updates
While Kane’s inclusion offers a huge boost, Ollie Watkins will miss out after failing to recover from a knock sustained against Wales. The forward collided with the post late in the first half and was substituted at the interval. Tuchel confirmed that he “will not travel to Riga as a precaution,” although the issue is not serious and Watkins is expected to be fit for Aston Villa’s weekend fixture against Tottenham.
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah has withdrawn from the squad through injury. England’s preparations otherwise remain stable, with Tuchel expected to name a side similar to the one that defeated Wales in Cardiff.
Predicted England XI for Latvia Clash
Jordan Pickford is expected to retain his place in goal, earning his 80th cap for the national team. Behind him, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence are tipped to form the defensive line. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson should start as the midfield pairing, anchoring a creative trio of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford supporting Kane in attack.
Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Eze, Rashford; Kane
Injured: Watkins, Quansah
Key Details and Kick-off Information
Time and date: 7:45pm BST, Tuesday 14 October 2025
Venue: Daugava Stadium, Riga
How to watch: ITV
A win will guarantee England’s qualification and maintain Tuchel’s perfect competitive record as head coach.
