England secured a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in their final pre-World Cup friendly on Wednesday night, with Declan Rice scoring the only goal. The match at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando was delayed by an hour due to severe thunderstorms that left the pitch waterlogged. However, the rain subsided and the game went ahead as planned.
Match Summary
Rice fired England into an early lead in the ninth minute, converting a cross from Anthony Gordon after a swift counter-attack. England dominated possession and created several chances, with Noni Madueke missing a glaring opportunity to double the lead before half-time. A penalty awarded to Gordon was overturned after a VAR review, leaving the score 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, England continued to press for a second goal, with substitute Luke O'Reilly coming close. Costa Rica offered little threat, managing only a few sporadic attacks. The Three Lions controlled the game comfortably, easing to a morale-boosting win ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas next week.
Team Selection
Head coach Thomas Tuchel made a bold call by starting Jude Bellingham at number 10 ahead of Morgan Rogers. Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Noni Madueke both started after joining the squad late following the Champions League final, while Bukayo Saka was rested on the bench due to an Achilles injury. Tuchel made no substitutions at half-time, allowing the starting XI to gain valuable minutes.
Key Moments
- 9th minute: Declan Rice scores with a deflected shot after a brilliant run by Anthony Gordon.
- 45th minute: Noni Madueke misses a close-range chance to make it 2-0.
- 45+1 minute: England penalty overturned after VAR review.
- 61st minute: Costa Rica goalkeeper Kevin Sequeira receives treatment before being substituted.
England will now travel to Dallas for their World Cup Group L opener against Croatia on June 14.
