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3h ago

Watkins Ruled Out as England Target World Cup Berth in Riga

A win over Latvia would confirm qualification after Albania’s defeat of Serbia shifted the Group K math in England’s favor.

Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Wales - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 9, 2025 England's Ollie Watkins scores their second goal REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Fulham - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - September 28, 2025 Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in action with Fulham's Timothy Castagne REUTERS/Toby Melville
England v Wales - International Friendly
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Overview

  • England confirmed Ollie Watkins will miss the Latvia qualifier and has returned to Aston Villa after a knee knock sustained when colliding with the post against Wales.
  • Defender Jarell Quansah previously withdrew with patellar tendon inflammation and returned to Bayer Leverkusen, leaving a 22-man squad to travel to Riga with no replacements planned.
  • Harry Kane, who sat out the Wales friendly with an ankle issue, is expected to be available for selection in Riga.
  • England can clinch a place at the 2026 World Cup with a victory in Latvia, a scenario enabled by Albania’s 1-0 win over Serbia.
  • Thomas Tuchel’s team top Group K with five wins from five and no goals conceded in qualifying, as he maintains a merit-based selection approach that has managed absences for high-profile players such as Jude Bellingham.