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England produced an impressive performance to defeat Costa Rica 3‑0 in their final pre‑World Cup friendly in Orlando, despite a one‑hour kick‑off delay due to storms. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the ninth minute after good work from Anthony Gordon.
Gordon then added a second from the penalty spot after Eberechi Eze’s shot was handled. Substitute Ollie Watkins completed the scoring with a close‑range header three minutes from time. Jude Bellingham started in the number 10 role and looked sharp.
Key Points:
A strong performance against durable opposition provides ideal preparation for England’s World Cup opener against Croatia.
Anthony Gordon’s lively display and penalty success may boost his chances of starting.
Jude Bellingham’s creativity in the number 10 role puts pressure on Tuchel to include him in the starting XI.
John Stones gained valuable minutes, strengthening his case to start against Croatia.
A behind‑closed‑doors friendly against Miami FC will allow Tuchel to fine‑tune tactics.
England now have a private game against Miami FC before their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.
Sources: BBC Sport, Sky Sports
