Thomas Tuchel should reach some firmer conclusions around his strongest XI after England face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up tonight, at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium –although an hour later than planned after a storm delayed kick-off.
The Three Lions were far from spectacular in a box-ticking win against New Zealand on Saturday, but emerged victorious due to Harry Kane’s first-half header. Tuchel may have made 11 substitutions at the break in that match, but tonight he may afford a longer run-out for players who are set to start the group opener versus Croatia on 17 June.
In fact, his starting XI may be a clue to his team for that game, and they have made a fast start already, with Declan Rice putting England 1-0 up with a deflected shot.
Bukayo Saka’s involvement – or lack thereof, after Noni Madueke started ahead of him – will be curious given Tuchel’s admission on Tuesday: the Arsenal forward must be managed carefully, said the coach, due to an injury that has been bothering him for months.
Kick-off in Orlando is at 10pm BST, and you can follow every meaningful kick below.
The dramatic moments late in the first half
Madueke’s miss and Gordon’s overturned penalty:
England 1-0 Costa Rica
48’ – Madueke, aiming to atone for that comical miss in the first half, comes within a whisker of making it 2-0 after neat link up play with Kane.
Restarted! England 1-0 Costa Rica
46’ – We’re underway again.
One change for Costa Rica as Quiros comes on for Johnson, who was booked and struggling against Gordon.
Promising signs
An encouraging first half from Anthony Gordon, even if he did go to ground too easily for the penalty that wasn’t. Declan Rice also played well, but his place in the side was secure
Half-time! England 1-0 Costa Rica
That’s the break. It’s been pretty good from England. Not perfect but much improved. Back soon for more action and analysis.
Decision overturned! England 1-0 Costa Rica
45+3’ – It’s overturned because it’s not a foul. Good process.
Still, what a beautiful pass from Kane,
Penalty for England – maybe! England 1-0 Costa Rica
45+2’ – Kane sends a diagonal pass towards Gordon, who falls to the floor under pressure from Johnson and the referee signals for a penalty.
But VAR is now asking her to check the monitor.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
45’ – Mora is booked for clattering into Anderson. Costa Rica, who are not at the World Cup, are playing as if this is a competitive match.
There will be four minutes added on.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
43’ – Now O’Reilly is down momentarily following a collision with Soto. A few seconds later Ugalde and Konsa are all over each other. It’s becoming bitty and not far off dirty. Someone on the Costa Rica bench has been booked and one can only hope no England player picks up a silly injury.
