Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice both scored as England breezed past Costa Rica 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up game in Orlando. Thomas Tuchel showed his hand for the opener against Croatia, fielding a strong lineup that included Jude Bellingham over Morgan Rogers in the No. 10 role.
Dominant Display
England dominated from the start, with Gordon tormenting Costa Rica right-back Shawn Johnson. Rice opened the scoring in the first half with a deflected left-footed shot after Gordon's pull-back. Gordon later added a penalty, and substitute Ollie Watkins tapped home late on.
Key Performances
- Jude Bellingham impressed with his energy and link-up play with Harry Kane.
- Anthony Gordon was a constant threat on the left wing, winning a penalty.
- Noni Madueke missed a one-on-one chance but overall played well.
Tuchel made six substitutions after the hour, with Rogers hitting the post before Watkins scored the rebound. The game was delayed by an hour due to heavy rain and lightning, but the pitch drained well.
Encouraging Signs
Despite the weak opposition, England's intensity and connections were promising. Bellingham's performance suggests he could start against Croatia, while Gordon staked a claim for the left-wing spot. The defense, led by Ezri Konsa, was rarely tested.
