Bayern star Kane bags a brace for England and secures World Cup spot | OneFootball

Harry Kane from FC Bayern secures early World Cup qualification for England. He scores a brace in Latvia.

Harry Kane has led the English national team to early qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a brace. In the commanding 4-0 victory in Latvia, the Three Lions captain was the decisive man – once again confirming his outstanding form.

After the 3-0 win against Wales, where Kane had to sit out due to minor ankle issues, coach Thomas Tuchel relied on the FC Bayern striker again in Riga. England took control from the start but initially struggled against the deep-lying hosts. In the 2nd minute, Kane scored following a pass from Bukayo Saka, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Just a few minutes later, the striker missed the target from close range – a rarity for the English captain.

The visitors' patience was rewarded in the 26th minute when Anthony Gordon scored a powerful shot into the right corner to make it 1-0. Kane then took command: first, he scored precisely into the left corner from 17 meters in the 44th minute, and shortly after, he confidently converted a penalty to make it 2-0 (45+3). With his brace, the Bayern striker set the course for victory, ensuring that England was already on track for a World Cup ticket by halftime.

After the break, Tuchel's team continued to dominate at will. An own goal by Latvia's Tonisevs increased the lead to 3-0 (58th minute), before substitute Eze secured the final score with a well-placed shot into the right corner shortly before the end (86th minute). England remained without conceding a goal in their ninth qualifying match – goalkeeper Jordan Pickford celebrated another clean sheet.

Bayern star Kane impresses in England jersey as well

Thanks to the success, the English national team is now confirmed as a participant in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Tuchel expressed satisfaction with the commanding performance after the match and particularly praised his captain. Kane had "once again shown why he is one of the best strikers in the world," according to the English camp.

Photo: IMAGO

For Kane, it was already his 65th and 66th goals in the national jersey – an impressive record that further cements his status as England's all-time top scorer. After his injury break, the Bayern star made a remarkable comeback and is likely to return to Munich with confidence.

With the victory in Riga, England remains unbeaten in qualification and firmly at the top of the table. The final group match against Serbia is scheduled for November 13 – although the mission is already accomplished in sporting terms.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.