England ensured they will head into the World Cup off the back of a win, and with a markedly improved performance, after they saw off Costa Rica 2-0 in Orlando. The Three Lions made hard work of beating New Zealand at the weekend, but in Florida they looked far closer to their best, with Declan Rice getting the ball rolling after lightning delayed Wednesday's kick-off. Anthony Gordon added a second from the spot in the second half, while Ollie Watkins also got in on the act.
Rice’s Opener and Gordon’s Impact
Rice’s opener owed to a strong burst of pace from Gordon, who was a standout for the Three Lions. He bypassed his opponent before laying the ball off to the Arsenal midfielder. Rice’s scuffed shot took a deflection, but it was good enough to nestle into the bottom corner. Costa Rica, ranked 53rd in the world, admitted they fielded a development side, which decreased the level of competition England had to negotiate. Noni Madueke should have doubled the lead, but the winger missed an open goal as his shot came off the post.
England faced their first VAR setback of the summer when the referee’s penalty decision for a foul on Gordon was overturned after review. Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated possession and territory once again, but the lack of a killer instinct looked as if it might remain an issue. However, England were handed the ideal opportunity to hammer home their advantage when Costa Rica were penalized for a handball.
With Harry Kane absent, Gordon stepped up and emphatically hammered his penalty into the top corner. Morgan Rogers missed a golden opportunity to make it three as the Aston Villa playmaker couldn't hit the target when sent through, but his club teammate Watkins showed a more clinical side late on, reacting quickest to nod home from five yards.
Talking Points from a Comfortable Win
Tuchel’s Best Team
The debate over England’s best XI from the squad picked by Tuchel has rumbled on since the 26-man group was named, but the starting lineup on Wednesday night is perhaps as close to England at full strength as we get. Elliot Anderson is likely to be Rice’s midfield partner. When fit, Reece James is the country’s best right-back, and Nico O’Reilly has established himself as the best on the left. The wide options are where England maybe have their greatest depth, but Gordon showed he is ready to be placed in the elite bracket. It was good to see Tuchel give his big guns a run-out to continue building their combinations.
Gordon Looking Every Inch a £70m Player
The former Newcastle winger recently completed his move to Barcelona. When speaking about the switch, he has oozed confidence, and that is manifesting itself on the pitch. Gordon’s pace caused havoc down the England left, and he is doing a good job of nailing down his first-team spot. Gordon has often risen to the big occasion, and there is none bigger than the World Cup. Being pursued by Barcelona appears to have given a player who was never shy of self-belief even more, which can only be advantageous for England. The 25-year-old looks primed ahead of the opening game and is borderline making himself undroppable.
Madueke’s Moment to Forget
On the other flank, Madueke will certainly want to forget his horror miss when it appeared harder to miss than score. Prior to that, the Arsenal winger had done everything perfectly, seeing the run and then getting on his bike as he was sent clear. Madueke showed elite composure after that. But that’s where the brilliance ended. After rounding the goalkeeper, all he had to do was pass into an empty net, but the winger used his left foot when everything suggested he should have gone with his right. His shot came off the post, and the England man was left with a smile, likely to hide the embarrassment.
That Killer Instinct
The positives: yes, England dominated, and yes, they have become a side who know how to boss possession and territory. But let’s be frank: while this was comfortable, in the latter stages of the World Cup, England could well be left to regret the chances they let pass them by. It wasn’t until they were gifted a penalty that the Three Lions got the second goal, which made the game more comfortable. Against a Spain, a France, or an Argentina, the team is unlikely to be afforded that luxury. Some big-name players missed big chances, and England cannot afford to be that wasteful if they truly want to claim tournament glory.
Lightning Strikes
This weather could be a sign of things to come. There were plenty of warnings 12 months ago when the USA hosted the Club World Cup, and before the World Cup has officially begun, we have seen just what chaos the elements can, and probably will, create. England and Costa Rica won’t be the only teams impacted by extreme weather. That will lead to delays, and FIFA and their schedule will have their work cut out if the weather ends up preventing games from finishing. Chelsea saw a game with Benfica end more than four hours after it kicked off. It will certainly keep players and coaches on their toes, with the teams who adapt best set to thrive.
