Reece James scored a magnificent goal and was joined on the score sheet by Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze as the Thomas Tuchel era remains perfect following England’s 3-0 win over Latvia at Wembley Stadium on Monday.
England are now 2-0-0 to start World Cup qualifying and have not conceded a goal, topping Group K in its very early days, and James proffered some big words for the Tuchel era.
“It has been a long time — I have had a frustrating two years,” James said. “I’m so happy to be called up by my country again. I saw the wall and felt I could bend it round. I was a bit surprised it hit the net. ... Thomas Tuchel’s ideas are clear. We have one objective and that starts this week right up until the World Cup.”
James celebrated his long-awaited return to England’s starting lineup with the wonder goal to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead over Latvia in UEFA World Cup qualifying.
MORE — UEFA World Cup qualifying home
James, 25, had 15 caps when he left England camp in September 2022 but had all of six minutes with the national team between that 3-3 draw with Germany and Monday’s qualifier.
The Chelsea right back has suffered through injury after injury but is back in the England squad as former club boss Thomas Tuchel brought James back into the national team.
It’s James’ first senior goal for England and beat the leaping wall before spinning just inside the far post, a near-perfect effort.
England held 78% of the ball and rung up 15 shots to Latvia’s two, and the visitors won’t have any shame in the manner with how they were finally defied by James.
Reece James scores pinpoint free kick goal (video)
Reece James scores his first international goal for England!! 🏴👏 pic.twitter.com/s63H1KTPbm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 24, 2025
Declan Rice sets up Harry Kane’s 71st England goal (video)
Declan Rice to Harry Kane for England's second goal! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/vaFDv2jshl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 24, 2025
Eberechi Eze’s dribbling wizardy leads to great goal (video)
EZE! England finds its third vs Latvia! 😮💨🏴 pic.twitter.com/errQq9I4q1
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 24, 2025
