England secured an encouraging victory ahead of their World Cup campaign, defeating Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando on Wednesday night. The match was delayed by an hour due to a storm, but conditions improved for the 90 minutes of play at Inter&Co Stadium.
Match Overview
Declan Rice opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a deflected strike. An hour later, Anthony Gordon converted a penalty, and Ollie Watkins added a third just before full-time, nodding home a rebound off the goalkeeper.
Costa Rica offered little in attack but were physically aggressive, picking up four yellow cards in a feisty friendly. England found the contest more useful than their previous tepid 1-0 win over New Zealand.
Selection Questions Answered
Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford?
Gordon started and impressed, setting up Rice's opener and troubling the full-back with pace and pressing. He later scored a penalty. Rashford, now at Barcelona, looked lively in a late cameo but appears to be trailing Gordon.
Is Noni Madueke Good Enough to Start?
Madueke produced a glaring miss in the first half, rounding the goalkeeper but hitting the post. He often looks dangerous but lacks end product. With Bukayo Saka recovering from an Achilles issue, Tuchel may be reluctant to rely on Madueke.
Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers?
Bellingham started alongside Harry Kane, Rice, and Elliot Anderson for the first time. He created chances, including a through ball for Madueke and a run that led to the penalty. Rogers, a Tuchel favourite, came on and missed a straightforward chance.
Who Partners Marc Guehi?
Ezri Konsa and John Stones both started at centre-back, with Stones deployed on the left where Guehi is expected to play. Neither was tested by Costa Rica, leaving the decision open ahead of the Croatia match.
What We Already Knew
Declan Rice is key: He scored and delivered dangerous set-pieces. Harry Kane's quarterback-like passing from deep remains a plus; he created chances for Gordon and Madueke.
The weather could be a factor: The hour-long delay due to rain and lightning may recur during the World Cup, affecting fans and players alike.
