The paper aeroplanes were back. As was the Mexican wave. In many ways this was a same-old, same-old Wembley performance from England as they inevitably defeated lowly Latvia. But did they quicken the pulse? Is that even possible – despite what Thomas Tuchel says – in such games?
In goals two and three – after a spectacular free-kick from Reece James – there were glimpses of what he is demanding. For Harry Kane’s second, it was a well-worked, aggressive move to open up the opposition. For Eberechi Eze’s third it was what he has craved – a winger dribbling with the ball and taking on defenders.