England captain Harry Kane is set to return to action as the Three Lions aim to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup with victory over Latvia on Tuesday. The Bayern Munich striker missed the recent 3-0 friendly win against Wales due to an ankle problem but has since recovered and resumed full training over the weekend.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the striker is fit and ready to start, saying that the short break allowed Kane to fully recover. The forward, who has scored 74 international goals, is expected to lead the line as England seek to maintain their perfect qualifying record.
Kane’s return comes at a crucial time, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins ruled out of the squad after suffering an injury while attempting to score against Wales. Tuchel expressed disappointment over the incident but assured that the rest of the squad remains fit and focused for the decisive fixture.
England currently top Group K, having won all five matches without conceding a goal. A win in Riga would confirm their qualification for the World Cup with two games to spare, holding a four-point advantage over second-placed Albania with a game in hand.
Tuchel’s side have shown steady progress since his appointment, overcoming early criticism to produce dominant performances in recent fixtures. England thrashed Serbia 5-0 in September before delivering a convincing first-half display to defeat Wales comfortably.
The coach believes his players are beginning to adapt to his tactical philosophy, which emphasizes fluid attacking play and high-intensity pressing reminiscent of Premier League standards. He praised the team’s cohesion, energy, and growing confidence, noting that the positive atmosphere in training has translated into strong performances on the pitch.
Tuchel urged his players not to underestimate Latvia despite their underdog status, emphasizing that away qualifiers always present challenges. He encouraged his team to maintain focus, respect their opponents, and secure qualification in style.
“We are building something strong and heading in the right direction,” Tuchel said. “The spirit, momentum, and awareness among the players are exceptional. Now we must carry that same energy into the match and finish the job.”
With Kane back to full fitness and England brimming with confidence, the Three Lions appear well-positioned to complete their World Cup mission and continue their impressive unbeaten run under Tuchel’s leadership.
