England dominate Costa Rica in final warm-up match

According to News.

Context

Jude Bellingham, as a playmaker, demonstrated his importance in this match, strengthening his candidacy for a key position in the team. His ability to create chances and score goals could be key for England at the 2026 World Cup. With the likes of Declan Rice and Ollie Watkins also fit, England look well-equipped for the tournament.

Why it matters

England's 3-0 victory over Costa Rica is a strong signal ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup. The performances of Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon, in particular, show that the team is ready to take on the challenge against top opponents like Croatia. This match has a positive impact on the team's confidence and their dynamics heading into the tournament.

Key points

• England dominates Costa Rica in the last preparation match.
• During their final preparation match, England comfortably beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando, thanks in particular to remarkable performances from Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon.
• Jude Bellingham remains central to England's plans.

In a match delayed by an hour due to a storm, the England team delivered a final solid friendly match before starting the 2026 World Cup, organized jointly in the United States, Mexico and Canada. At Exploria Stadium in Orlando, against Costa Rica, the English won 3-0 thanks to a convincing performance in particular from Jude Bellingham, positioned as playmaker in the number 10 position.

The opening score came in the 9th minute by Declan Rice. The latter benefited from a great action initiated by Anthony Gordon, a recent recruit from Barcelona, ​​author of a high-level performance. The first half was also marked by a missed opportunity from Noni Madueke, launched from deep and alone in front of goal, but whose shot hit the post. On a penalty later in the game, initially awarded to Gordon, the VAR intervened to rule that the fault was not proven.

Returning from the locker room, the suspense was definitively lifted thanks to a penalty converted in the 68th minute by Anthony Gordon, rewarding a superb breakthrough from Bellingham. Later, Ollie Watkins scored the third goal after an attempt by Morgan Rogers, replacing Bellingham at kick-off, was saved by the goalkeeper.

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Coach Thomas Tuchel, who suggested that the lineup lined up against Costa Rica would be close to that starting against Croatia for the opening of Group L, should confirm certain choices. Reece James and Nico O'Reilly are guaranteed to hold the positions of pistons, with Marc Guehi expected to also start. It remains to decide between Ezri Konsa and John Stones in central defense.

In the middle, the pair Declan Rice – Elliot Anderson was effective and could be renewed. On the right wing, the competition is tighter: Bukayo Saka, injured in an Achilles tendon, is currently replacing and his teammate at Arsenal, Noni Madueke, took his place against Costa Rica, with an encouraging performance despite his missed opportunity.

The future opponent, Croatia, now awaits the English at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas this Wednesday, for a first match of the 2026 World Cup which promises to be thrilling. This victory allows England to approach the competition with confidence, despite the unstable weather conditions which disrupted the progress of this meeting in Orlando.

This preparation thus concludes a key friendly phase for the English selection, in particular to decide between the players in the race for tenure and refine the automatisms before the official start of the World Cup, a major event in world football.

The rest

England are now preparing for their first match of the 2026 World Cup against Croatia, scheduled for Wednesday in Dallas. Coach Thomas Tuchel could rely on the lineup lined up against Costa Rica, which suggests continuity in the game. Recent performances from players like Bellingham and Gordon will be crucial to the team's success in this competition.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score of the England v Costa Rica match?

England won the match against Costa Rica with a score of 3-0.

Who scored the goals for England against Costa Rica?

Goals for England were scored by Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins.

What impact does this match have on England's rankings?

This friendly match has no direct impact on the ranking, but it allows England to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

When is England's next match after Costa Rica?

England's next match will be against Croatia to open Group L of the 2026 World Cup.

Who was the key player during

of the England-Costa Rica match?

Jude Bellingham was a key player, playing a central role as playmaker.

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