Reece James and Ebere Eze speak after first England goals

England goalscorers Reece James and Eberechi Eze reflected on their first international goals for the Three Lions, during the 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley.

A stunning free-kick from James put England ahead in the first half, before Eze came off the bench to fire home the third goal after Harry Kane had made it 2-0 earlier in the second half.

And James, making his first international start for England since 2023, admitted he was pleased to have made a mark on his return to the squad.

 

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“It's been a long time,” he admitted.

“I've had a frustrating two-and-a-half years so was happy to get called up for my country again and happy to play.”

And as for the goal, the Chelsea defender added: “I saw the wall and felt I could bend it around and thankfully I managed to hit the back of the net.

“I was surprised it hit the net. I thought the keeper could maybe get there but looking at the replay, it was tough for him.”

There has been a degree of familiarity for James on his return to the England set-up, having already worked under head coach Thomas Tuchel when he was in charge at Stamford Bridge.

“His ideas are clear, his goals and targets were set out from the minute he came in,” said James.

“We have one objective and that started this international week. We need to keep on building until the World Cup.”

Eze was also a happy man, after making an impact from the bench and becoming the first Crystal Palace player to score for England since Peter Taylor in 1976.

“I felt it was a strong performance from us,” said the former QPR man.

“We knew what we needed to do today and it was important to win. That was the main thing and we've done that well.

“I always want to impact the game whenever I play and today it has come off. I'm happy to get a goal and contribute.

“I tried to create space, destablise the defender and get my shot and it worked.”