Key Takeaways:
- England secured a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in their final FIFA World Cup warm-up last night in Florida
- Anthony Gordon, Declan Rice, and Ollie Watkins each netted for the Three Lions, while England kept a clean sheet
- John Stones, Jude Bellingham, and Anthony Gordon were all preferred in starting roles, reflecting likely selection trends for the Group L opener
Team Selections and Tactical Choices
Following experimentation with two separate lineups against New Zealand on Saturday, Thomas Tuchel selected what is expected to be his preferred eleven for England’s last pre-World Cup friendly. John Stones was chosen ahead of Marc Guehi, Jude Bellingham started in place of Morgan Rogers, and Anthony Gordon was given the nod over Marcus Rashford. Bukayo Saka, still working towards peak fitness, began among the substitutes.
Preparation for a big summer: complete ✅ pic.twitter.com/leitxuvZ0I
— England (@England) June 10, 2026
First Half: England Assert Early Dominance
The match in Orlando was delayed for an hour due to storms, but England quickly seized control once play commenced. In the ninth minute, Anthony Gordon broke free and set up Declan Rice, whose shot, aided by a slight deflection, gave England the lead and marked his seventh international goal.
Harry Kane threatened to increase the advantage midway through the half, requiring a superb save from Patrick Sequeira to deny his header. Noni Madueke then missed a golden opportunity, striking the post after rounding Sequeira, despite having an open goal in front of him. Costa Rica’s physical approach resulted in 11 first-half fouls. VAR intervention saw a penalty decision against Costa Rica overturned after Gordon went down in stoppage time.
Second Half: England Stretch Their Lead
After the interval, England remained on the front foot, with Madueke sending a curling effort narrowly wide. On the hour, Tuchel introduced six substitutions, including Dean Henderson for Jordan Pickford in goal, Saka for Madueke, and Rogers replacing Kane.
England’s pressure paid off when a shot from Eberechi Eze hit a defender’s elbow, resulting in a penalty. Gordon confidently converted from the spot for his third England goal, with England scoring more than once for the first time in four outings. The concession marked the sixth consecutive friendly in which Costa Rica allowed at least two goals.
Villa’s Rogers squandered a one-on-one, but his club teammate Ollie Watkins made no mistake, heading in from close range three minutes from the end for his seventh goal in an England shirt.
Post-Match Reflection
This assured performance underlined England’s status as pre-tournament favourites, as they achieved a comfortable result against determined opposition. Costa Rica, meanwhile, extended their winless run to six matches and will not participate in the World Cup.
