England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their last World Cup pre-game this summer, offering a glimpse of some of the challenges they may face on and off the pitch.
The Three Lions had to wait an additional hour for kickoff as the start time was postponed due to a rainstorm in Orlando. However, goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins ensured a routine win against a physical Central American opponent.
Manager Thomas Tuchel used two very different elevens for Saturday night’s game against New Zealand, but this always promised to be more serious.
So it was notable that Jude Bellingham was included instead of Morgan Rogers. Ezri Konsa and John Stones started in defence, with the idea being to let the latter play as much football as possible ahead of next week’s game against Croatia.
However, any fears that the delay meant a slow start were dispelled when Rice scored just 10 minutes later following some good work from Anthony Gordon. And after scoring his first goal, Barcelona’s rising star scored his second goal from the spot after a handball in the second half.
Ollie Watkins scored three goals in the closing stages and was a big improvement in terms of performance.
England are due to play a behind-closed-doors friendly against fourth-tier Miami United, which is apparently their last game before facing Croatia in Dallas next Wednesday.
Mirror Sport’s chief football writer John Cross finally arrived inside the Inter&Co Stadium after taking shelter from the rain to give his assessment of England’s players.
England vs Costa Rica player ratings
Jordan Pickford 6 – Had few problems apart from one time when a poor clearance meant things didn’t work out.
Reece James 7 – Strong, ready, always in a good position and clearly England’s first choice right-back.
John Stones 7 – Excellent on the ball, calm and classy. This was a good audition and proved his suitability.
Ezri Konsa 7 – His pace and reading of the game are so good that he is often played as the last man in the defense.
Nico O’Reilly 7 – He is undoubtedly England’s best option at left-back, but has yet to quite replicate his Man City form.
Declan Rice 7 – Scored, provided a great set piece and continued right where he left off at Arsenal.
Declan Rice scores England’s first goal
Elliott Anderson 8 – Showed why he is at the center of a £100m transfer tug-of-war. Also great. No distractions.
Jude Bellingham 8 – A fantastic, all-action midfield performance that proved why he should start at number 10 for England.
Noni Madueke 6 – Guilty of one of the greatest mistakes in England’s history. With the goal at his mercy, he hit the post.
Anthony Gordon 8 – A very active and razor sharp left winger had a great audition to start against Croatia.
Anthony Gordon put in an impressive performance as he bids for a starting spot against Croatia
Harry Kane 7 – Certainly needs to stay more forward instead of dropping deep all the time. But it looks sharp.
Do you agree with John Cross? Enter your own rating here
substitute
Eberechi Eze (Declan Rice, 63) 6 – His powerful strike earned England a penalty
Dean Henderson (Jordan Pickford, 63) 6
Jed Spence (Reece James, 63) 6
Mark Gehi (John Stones, 63) 6
Morgan Rodgers (Harry Kane, 63) 6 – Lively off the bench and should have scored, but was involved in Watkins’ goal.
Bukayo Saka (Noni Maduke, 63) 6 – Tuchel will be cautious with him, but it will be interesting to see if he starts next week.
Ollie Watkins (Jude Bellingham, 71) 7 – Right place, right time. He has a great talent for scoring goals.
Jarrell Quansah (Ezri Konsa, 71) 6
Coby Mainu (Elliot Anderson, 71) 6
Marcus Rashford (Anthony Gordon, 71) 6
Dan Byrne (Nico O’Reilly, 71) 6
Unused Subs: Libramento, J. Henderson, Tony.
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