EnglandING
3
Declan Rice 8',Anthony Gordon 67' (p),Ollie Watkins 86'
Finished
World Cup

England 3 vs 0 Costa Rica summary: updates, score, goals and highlights | International Friendly

Thomas Tuchel’s England gave a resounding pre-World Cup performance against Costa Rica and now they set their sights on Croatia to kick off the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel’s England gave a resounding pre-World Cup performance against Costa Rica and now they set their sights on Croatia to kick off the tournament.

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Declan Rice puts England up before the 10 minute mark, but you have to give a load of the credit to Aaron Gordon who built this action up and has been the best on the pitch so far. 

Thomas Tuchel made all 11 changes for a second straight game and the subs came in and played with plenty of energy and attacking intent. Ollie Watkins was the most involved in the final 20 minutes but Marcus Rashford had his moments and so did Morgan Rodgers. It was Rodgers who put the shot on goal and Watkins was there to clean it up for the third and final goal of the match. 

Thomas Tuchel and England will be happy with a convincing result on their final tune up before the World Cup. They played new Zealand over the weekend and beat them by just a goal, so this will be a much better performance to build on as they now set their sights on Wednesday's match against Croatia. 

Anthony Gordon gets the credit for the goal from the spot and what a penalty take it was, but Jude Bellingham created the chance with a brilliant bit of skill in the area. He danced around a few defenders and tucked it back to Madueke whose shot was blocked with a Costa Rica player's arm. Gordon stepped up and buried it in the top corner. 

There was a whole lot of possession and a handful of chances for England to double the lead in the first half. None were clearer than Noni Madueke's shot that hit off the post following a gorgeous ball into the area from Jude Bellingham. England were a bit wasteful in the first half, and had it not been for a couple of late goals the score would have been a disappointing result despite the domination. 

Niether rain, nor sleet, nor snow could stop the Three Lions from mauling Costa Rica in third final pre-World Cup tune up. It was only rain in Orlando, but it did delay kickoff for an hour due to some nasty weather around Inter&Co Stadium. Once the ball got rolling there was no stopping England who won the game by a scoreline of 3-0 which may not have painted the whole picture from northern Florida. 

England went on the offensive from the very start, and it didn't take long before they put the first goal on the board. After a just one stoppage time goal from Harry Kane in the first half against New Zealand last game, it was Declan Rice slotting the first goal home after a brilliant run to the end line from Anthony Gordon. 

FT

IT'S ALL OVER FROM ORLANDO!!!!

England win in convincing fashion and now they will set their sights on Croatia in their World Cup opener. 

90+5'

Rashford played Watkins behind the defense and he found himself face to face with Madriz who made himself big and stoned Watkins at the door. 

90+3'

Training ground piece from the corner and it finds Eze again, and again his shot is deflected away. 

90+2'

Short corner taken and it was laid off by Saka for Eze whose shot was on target but blocked away by a defender and out for another corner. 

90+1'

Corner coming for England. 

90'

Six minutes of stoppage time here from Orlando. 

90'

Great build up from the back to the attacking third, from left to right and Saka had the final product that was just lacking a bit of direction. He slapped it across the face of goal but just wide of the target. 

88'

GOOOOAAALLLLLL!!!!

After the save, it was Rodgers taking on another effort from outside the area and it was stopped by Madriz but the rebound was nodded home by Watkins. 

86'

Rashford and Rodgers with a fantastic 1-2 at the edge of the area and Rashford got played in and had a shot on target but it was block away. 

85'

Rodgers played it square across the face of goal and it was Mitchell who cleared his lines just in the nick of time. 

84'

Watkins with a brilliant touch to take a sky high ball off the boot and played in Saka who had his shot from distance blocked off. 

83'

Saka's corner is cleared off the front post and out of danger for the moment. 

83'

Corner kick to come from the far side. Dan Burn will certainly be one of the targets for Saka. 

80'

Rashford fouled by Quiros and he hasn't done a whole lot since coming on. There hasn't been much other than the Rodgers clear chance on goal since Gordon doubled the advantage. 

78

For the second time in as many games, Tuchel has used all 11 subs as he gets his side ready for match day 1 of the World Cup. 

76'

Eze with a slicing ball into the path of Rogers in the area and he was 1 v 1 with the keeper but he shanked it wide and that's the second clear goal scoring chance that England have let slide. 

After a bit of brilliance from Bellingham in the area Madueke's shot was blocked by a flailing arm from a Costa Rica player. Gordon stepped to the spot and smashed the penalty into the top corner. 

73'

Corner kick taken by Saka and his outswinger was overshadowed by a couple of England players going down in the box. No call as the ref says play on. 

72'

Bellingham, Konse and Gordon head to the bench as Quanash, Burn and Rashford enter. 

69'

We are at the cooling break in the second half. England will be happier with the scoreline now that it reflects a little more of how this game has really been played. 

68'

GOOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!

Gordon steps to the spot and he buries the penalty in the top corner. The first shot that Madriz had to face is being picked up out of the back of the net. 

66'

Bellingham dancing through the left side of the area, past defenders before he laid it off for Eze whose shot was deflected wide for a corner.

On closer look the shot went off the arm of a Costa Rica defender and after a VAR review England will be awarded a penalty!!!

65'

Bellingham is still in, and maybe Tuchel just wants to see a little more from his midfielder. 

64'

There will be a change in goal from Costa Rica. It's Siquiera out and Madriz off the bench.

England will also take their chance to make some changes. It's Eze, Guehi, Henderson Rogers, Saka and Spence in for Pickford, James, Stones, Rice, Madueke, and Kane. 

61'

Tuchel making a bit of a scene on the touchline after Siquiera stayed down a little longer than expected and then stayed in the game. Tuchel wants to make the most of the time with his XI although they have had an hour to try and impress him. 

57'

Siquiera stays down after making that save and he is going to need some assistance from the medical staff. 

56'

O`Reilly earns a free kick on the left edge of the box, and Gordon tried to surprise Siquiera but he was ready for that shot that came in early but easy. 

53'

Just a few more minutes left for the XI of England you would have to imagine, and if they go to the bench as it is, they can be content with their play but a little disappointed not making more of their chances. 

52'

Corner kick for England, their first of the second 45 and Rice sent it to the back post for Guhedi who nodded it back to O'Reilly who couldn't turn on that bouncing ball in the area. 

50'

The sun is officially out in Orlando and it seems like any threat of impending rain has been squashed for this second half from Inter&Co Stadium. 

49'

Mora making a rare charge forward but he was all alone and Rice tracked back and bumped the Costa Rica attacker off the ball. 

47'

Incredible diagonal ball from Kane in the defensive half for Madueke on the right side and he cuts inside and tried to just bend it into the far post but his shot misses the target by a matter of inches. 

47'

The dynamic shouldn't change coming out of the break. England should continue to dominate this game, but the question is can they make anything of it?

45'

WE ARE BACK IN PLAY FOR THE SECOND HALF FROM ORLANDO!

HT

Just one sub from Costa Rica and it's Quiros coming on for Johnson who was beaten on the first goal by Gordon on the end line. 

HT

We are just getting back underway in the second half and it looks like Kane and the rest of the XI are staying on the pitch. Surprising decision from Tuchel who may not have seen enough from his first XI. 

Jude Bellinham played a lovely ball in behind the defense right into the path of Noni Madueke and the Arsenal attacker did all the hard work but just couldn't tuck it home on his final touch. 

It was a thoroughly dominant performance from England in the first 45. They might be a bit disappointed not to be up by more than a goal, but they got the goal early in the match after a long weather delay. Anthony Gordon got past the defender and to the end line before teeing up Declan Rice for the game's only goal. 

HT

WE ARE AT THE HALFTIME BREAK!!!!

45+4''

The penalty is waved off after careful examination! Not much of a protest there from Gordon after the decision was made. 

45+3'

The referee is going to VAR after replay shows there there wasn't a whole lot in that challenge fro Johnson. 

45+2'

Kane from the middle of the park, and he played a curving ball into the path of Gordon. Johnson got there first, but they Gordon was taken down trying to track the loose ball down in the box and the referee gives a penalty!

45'

Four more minutes to go in the first half from Orlando. 

45'

Another foul on Costa Rica and this time it's Mora shown a yellow card after lifting his foot a bit too high and getting a piece of O'Reilly. 

43'

They may be being outplayed, but Costa Rica came for a scrap. They aren't making life easy for England who have had to deal with foul after foul and frustration might just be setting in. 

41'

There are sure to be changes coming out of the halftime break and this XI will want to get one or two chances more to extend the lead before most of them sit for the second half. 

40'

Good build up after Kane started the action but Bellingham fired that left footed cross way over the mass of bodies in the box. Not been his best first half especially with Tuchel claiming he is going to have to fight for his spot in the XI. 

38'

Kane coming back all the way to his own penalty area to help the play the ball out of some pressure in the back. 

37'

Anderson and Galo with a heavy collision in the middle of the park. Both with get check on and have to come off after taking a shot to the head. Both look okay, and both should be coming back on in no time. 

36'

Bellingham plays a perfect pass to Madueke who was in on goal and he danced past the keeper but was stopped by the post after trying to open up his body on the right side and slot it home with the inside of his left foot. 

35'

You have to think England want a bit more out of this first half. They have been dominant but they may feel short changed if they go to half at 1-0. 

34'

James and Rice standing over it but its Rice who takes it and he went at goal which might have upset some of his teammates after watching that rise over the cross bar. 

32'

Gordon was taken down right outside the area after a deft touch to play him in from Rice and another dangerous angle to take a free kick coming for England. 

30'

First corner of the match for Costa Rica and they play it short and all the way back to the keeper Siquiera. Wasteful there from Los Ticos. 

26'

We are at the cooling break here from Orlando. The weather is holding up, England have looked dominant and Costa Rica are just trying to hang in there following an onslaught of attacks from Tuchel's side. 

26'

Kane settled in the box after a pass back from the end line and he sends it skyward into Row 15. 

25'

1-2 played with Anderson and James and Hendo sent it in, it was deflected and Madueke got a shot from the top of the area but Costa Rica once again got into the way and forced a corner kick. 

23'

Rice drives it low and to the spot but Costa Rica get a foot to that and send it towards midfield. 

23'

Rice swings it in and Kane got a flick to it on the front post, but a sprawling effort from Siquiera was enough to steer that just to the opposite side of the far post and another corner kick to come. 

21'

Gordon blew past the defender and was clipped from behind which will provoke the ref to show Johnson a yellow card, the first of the match. 

20'

Rice swung that in a little to close to the Costa Rica keeper Sequiera who came out and claimed it. 

19'

Free kick for England in the left corner and Rice gets set to take. 

18'

So far Gordon has looked the most inclined to charge at defenders and try to create down the left wing. 

17'

With a one goal lead, England can be cautiously ambitious, especially with the amount of possession they have been enjoying since going ahead on the scoresheet. 

14'

Rice to Kane on the back post off the corner and James was waiting for that nod into the mix but a wall of Ticos prevented the Three Lions from doubling their lead. 

13'

Gordon getting to the end line again and he puts in a cross that was deflected off a defender and then the keeper and then out for a corner kick. 

12'

Can't remember if there has been a Costa Rica touch in the opponent's half so far. If they have, it's been of minimal threat. 

10'

They needed the entire first half to put one past New Zealand, but England have come out much more intent here in the first 10 minutes. 

9'

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!

Gordon driving towards the end line and he played a ball back towards the spot where Rice was there to slot it home for the game's first goal! It might have taken a deflection on the way to the back of the net but that was a well worked goal starting with the explosiveness of Gordon on the left side. 

8'

Anderson put in a ball to the back post and Kane went down but the ref wants nothing to do with appeals for a penalty in the area. 

7'

Madueke's corner bounced in a dangerous area of the box, but no one could get to the end of it and Costa Rica will breath easy for just a moment. 

6'

Bellingham with the first chance of the match. He scaled the top of the area before letting a shot go that needed a deflection to send it out for a corner kick. Early chance for England, and you have to think there is more of that to come this afternoon. 

5'

England just starting to settle in now after a stop-start first couple minutes. They figure to have plenty of the ball, but can they get things going on each touchline. They were a bit narrow in their match against New Zealand. 

4'

Physical match so far. Both teams committing some early fouls as the players get settled. Maybe a little bit of angst to get this game started, and that's dictated this first few minutes. 

3'

Alcocer got stepped on by James in an exchange in the middle of the park. He's going to take his time getting up after grabbing at his wrist. 

2'

England are in their classic white kits. Must say the Nike kits are sharp for this edition of the World Cup. Nothing too flashy, but classic with a bit of a modern edge. 

1'

After a little more than an hour delay, we are underway in this final tune up for the Three Lions!

England's 4-2-3-1

It's Pickford in goal with James, Konsa, Stones and O´Reilly in the back. Anderson and Rice will patrol the middle with Madueke, Bellingham and Gordon in the attacking midfield with Kane up top for Tuchel. 

Game on

Ok. It's official. The players are coming out of the tunnel and we are going to get going here from Orlando in just a few minutes. There is a threat of some more rainy weather entering the premise, but let's cross our fingers that no more delays are in store. 

Tuchel speaks about weather

Coach Tuchel is getting a first taste of the weather issues that hover around this World Cup. He doesn't seems too phased about the delay.  "It gives us a little taste of what can happen in the tournament. We were aware of that before, now we experience it. It's no problem. It should not be an excuse to lose our mood or patience or to lose our hunger to play the game."

Things look like they are clearing up in Orlando. The players have at least had the chance to go and check out just how soggy the pitch is. How that effects play remains to be seen. 

The challengers

Thomas Tuchel has made a bold statement ahead of the start of the World Cup. He says that his side are the competitors, the challengers to the favorites of the World Cup. “We see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way but I don't think we are the heavy favourites.” Tuchel continued: "Maybe it's the wrong comparison, but if you go to Wimbledon and haven't won it for 60 years, you're not the favourites - but you can win it, of course. That's what we want to do.

 

The other friendly on today

Portugal and Nigeria are currently playing in a non delayed match, and the Portuguese side have taken the lead over Nigeria with a Pedro Neto goal. Portugal are figured to be one of the favorites in this World Cup, let's see if they can keep up the good form before starting their World Cup campaign. 

World Cup takes over social media

The tournament has not even begun and there is already some great stuff being posted on social media. One of my favorites is the people from all over the world living the Americana life. Food, culture and lifestyle is seeming to quite the impact the visitors, especially in the heartland.

Where to watch ENG-CR

All the World Cup action can be seen on FOX and it's affiliates, and tonight is no different. FS2 will be broadcasting tonight's match if you would like to watch while following along with our live coverage. 

The England side are in the building, but how long will it be before they can take the pitch on what is sure to be a water logged afternoon from Orlando?

Costa Rica XI

Los Ticos have announced their XI for this final friendly before heading back home and watching the World Cup from their home country. It has to be a bitter feeling knowing they will be out of action after being a part of the last four World Cups. 

First WC26 game due for delay?

I did just take a look at Ciudad de Mexico's weather for tomorrow's kickoff to the World Cup out of morbid curiosity, and it's supposed to rain at Estadio Azteca. Let's just hope that it won't be as bad as it is in Orlando today. 

FIFA Rankings

FIFA World Rankings  

England come into this tournament as one of the favorites, and when you look at their squad you start to understand why. They have won just one of their last three matches, coming in a 1-0 victory over New Zealand just a few days ago. Despite a dip in form, they are still ranked fourth in the official FIFA World Rankings. Defending champions, Argentina are ranked first with champions of the Euros, Spain, in second. France is third and then it’s the Three Lions. 

World Cup favorites  

The FIFA Rankings don't exactly paint a picture of who the favorite to win it all is coming into the World Cup. England stay at the fourth spot in the odds to win, while Argentina drop down to the fifth spot and Spain takes a slight edge on France as the favorites to win it all. Portugal have a fantastic team and will be looking to win their first World Cup ever. They have the third best chance according to the markets. Brazil, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium round out the list of favorites. Only eight teams have ever won the World Cup, and six of those are on the favorites list. Portugal, Netherlands and Belgium have a chance to join the list of World Cup winners, but as you can see, the odds aren’t exactly with them. 

Kickoff pushed back

We have just got word that the weather has pushed the game back to 5 p.m. ET, an hour after kick off was scheduled. The pitch is used to heavy rain but it's the lightening that has complicated things in Orlando. 

Is it coming home? 

“It's coming home” how many times are we bound to hear Brits say that over the next month? How many times have we heard them say that in the past might be the more proper question? England are never short on belief. They know that it has been way too long since their one and only World Cup title sixty years ago. That expectation, that belief and that demand from the fans only puts more pressure on a team that has been close to winning a major title, but have fallen short over the span of the last 8 years. They went to the semis in Russia in 2018 but lost to Croatia in ET. They were in the quarters in Qatar, but lost to France 2-1. They were runners up in the last two editions of the Euros, and they have to be thinking that this could be their time to bring it home. 

England's Group A schedule 

England’s World Cup campaign starts with a bang. They have been placed in Group L with Panama (34th in FIFA Rankings), Ghana (73rd in FIFA Rankings) and Croatia (11th in FIFA Rankings). Their first game is maybe one of the juiciest match ups of the group stages. They take on a Croatia team that knows what it takes to win big games in the World Cup. It may not be the same team as eight years ago, but they always pose a threat. 

- June 17: England vs. Croatia (Arlington, Texas) | 4 p.m. ET

- June 23: England vs. Ghana (Foxboro, Massachusetts) 4 p.m. ET

- June 27: Panama vs. England (East Rutherford, New Jersey) 5 p.m. ET

Word out of Orlando is that there will be a 20 minute delay to the start of the match, at least. We are on high alert after fans were told via the big screens at Inter&Co Stadium to take shelter. If there are any more delays, we will be the first to let you know. 

Hey Jude? 

What is going on with Jude Bellingham? That's one of the burning questions behind the scenes at the Three Lions camp. Thomas Tuchel brought him off the bench in the last match against New Zealand, and the manager said as recently as a few days ago that Jude is going to have to fight for his spot in the starting XI. “These roles can always change, but at the moment I think there are 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them,” said of the Real Madrid star. The two have had spats in the past, but they are looking to put the past in the rear view and focus all of their energy on leading this side back to the promise land after six decades. 

England vs. Florida heat 

It's June in Orlando. If you have ever been there around this time you know. It’s hot. That’s what the players from this England side are finding out, and it’s going to have to something they fight against as they prepare to make a run deep into this World Cup. They have been training in Palm Beach Gardens, which is even further south of Orlando and even hotter. That’s the bad news. The good news is their group stage matches are going to played in cooler conditions. Their game in Arlington, TX will be indoors which means they won’t have to deal with the brutal Texas summer sun. Then they go to Foxborough in New England where it is sure to be cooler than in the Meadowlands in New Jersey. 

England Squad 

Thomas Tuchel brought one of the biggest squad lists into the final international break before the World Cup. He had a massive list of players to trim down before announcing his final list. There were some controversial names left off the list. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer and and Phil Foden were all left of the list and there are some names that might have surprised even the biggest England supporters. Tuchel is putting his neck on the line, and is looking to return England to World Cup glory with this 26 man squad. 

England XI

We may have a weather delay, but Thomas Tuchel has his XI set already. Bellingham and Kane are the big names in the first 11 for the Three Lions with Gordon and Madueke out wide. How much will this reflect the first XI Tuchel will use against Croatia in a week's time?

Star watch: Costa Rica 

If I'm being honest with you, there aren’t a whole lot of players that ring a bell on the Costa Rica side. This isn’t the same squad of the last three editions that had some players in top sides throughout Europe sprinkled throughout the team. Warren Madrigal plays for Nashville FC and he’s got three goals with the national team this season. Orlando Galo of Riga FC and Manfred Ugalde of Spartak Moscow are the other danger men with three goals a piece, but there is not much bite in this attack. 

Weather Delay

We already have a weather delay and the World Cup has not even started yet. It was a concern of organizers coming into the tournament, and it is already taking it's toll in Orlando as the England vs. Costa Rica match has been delayed. No word yet on a kick off time but we will keep you posted here from Inter&Co Stadium. 

Star watch: England 

This is one of the most talented squads heading to the World Cup. Talent doesn't always translate to success, but Thomas Tuchel’s side has all the ingredients to make a run in this edition of the World Cup. Harry Kane was the most prolific goal scorer this season, with 36 goals in the Bundesliga and another 14 in 13 Champions League matches. He is going to be the one driving the ship for England, but in the midfield and on the wings he will have plenty of help. Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon will give this squad plenty of width, and Decland Rice and Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park should balance this team who may have one or two liabilities on the back line. 

Last match: Costa Rica 

Costa Rica served as preparation for another World Cup hopeful last week when they took on Colombia, and struggled against a team that was in full force in the lead up to kicking off their World Cup campaign. Nestor Lorenzo's side got off to a quick start, scoring two first half goals from Davinson Sanchez and Luis Diaz. Los Ticos’ Andrey Soto pulled one back right after the half hour mark, but that’s all that Costa Rica could muster. Colombia dipped into their bench after halftime, and were still able to extend the lead with a 3-1 scored by Luis Suarez in the 81st minute. 

Last match: England 

The Three Lions took on another World Cup side on Saturday, but they didn't look all too convincing against a New Zealand team ranked 85th in the FIFA World Rankings. Tuchel fielded a strong side with Harry Kane, and Marcus Rashford in the XI along with Marc Guehi and John Stones in the back, but there wasn’t much in terms of brilliance from England. Kane scored a goal in stoppage time of the first half, Tuchel made plenty of subs in the second half, but there wasn’t a whole lot to get excited about. Tuchel will most likely tinker with the XI today, but we really won’t get an idea of his ideal eleven until the opening game of the World Cup. 

We are live from Inter&Co Stadium 

Hello everyone and welcome to Orlando, Florida where the Three Lions have been in World Cup mode for quite some time now. They have one more order of business before they can turn their attention to the first match of their World Cup campaign on Wednesday against Croatia. The run up to the World Cup has been less than impressive, and tonight they will be hoping to ease some of the nerves of fans back home who have seen this team win just one of their last three matches. This will be one of the most heavily watched teams in the tournament, with big stars, big stories and big expectations England is sure to be in the spot light over the next month.

England vs. Costa Rica live  

The World Cup starts tomorrow, but before we kick off the biggest event of the summer we have one more tune up to keep a close eye on, and it involves one of the favorites to win it all. Thomas Tuchel's England side take on Costa Rica as we get one last look at the Three Lions before they embark on their quest the bring it home. AS English will be with you all afternoon providing live coverage, stats, highlights and analysis of today’s final friendly before the serious action starts tomorrow.

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