England head coach Thomas Tuchel took it in good humour as travelling supporters teased him during a 5–0 win over Latvia in rainy Riga, a result that capped an immaculate qualifying campaign and confirmed England’s place at next year’s World Cup.
"We're on our way!"
— England (@England) October 14, 2025
Thomas Tuchel reflects on the #ThreeLions qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer 🗣️
Tuchel had questioned the Wembley atmosphere after last week’s 3–0 victory over Wales, suggesting the backing was too flat. The away end answered in Riga, at one point chanting “Are we loud enough for you?” at the former Chelsea manager as England cruised to another commanding win.
“I got a bit of stick in the first half and that is fair enough,” Tuchel said afterwards. “I took it with a smile. It was creative, very British, and there is no harm done. The support tonight was brilliant and we are sure it will be the same in America. We need it.”
On the pitch, England were clinical and composed, extending an unbeaten run that has defined this qualifying cycle. The blend of established leaders and emerging talent has produced control in midfield, pace and precision in wide areas, and a defence that has rarely been troubled. Goal difference and game state have consistently tilted England’s way, a sign of both depth and discipline.
Such authority inevitably sharpens the conversation about what comes next. With a qualification achieved without blemish, England will arrive at the finals among the front-runners. The question now is whether 2026 could finally be their year, six decades on from the country’s only World Cup triumph in 1966. The drought has stretched to sixty years, the expectations remain high, and this group under Tuchel looks built to carry them.
Tuchel is known as a pragmatic manager, with several major trophies won at the club level, built on a clear tactical and technical philosophy. That background underpins England’s current balance of structure and flair, and offers reassurance that the team can adapt to different opponents and tournament pressures.
There will be stronger tests ahead, but the signs are encouraging. England have found a style that travels, a squad that can absorb injuries without losing identity, and a manager willing to demand more while embracing the noise around the team. If momentum matters, England have it. If pedigree counts, this campaign has underlined it. The road to America begins with optimism and a familiar hope that this time the wait might end.
