Manager Thomas Tuchel watched as England ramped up their World Cup preparations with an emphatic 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday night.
Thomas Tuchel was happy with England’s defeat in Orlando
By the end, England fans were chanting “It’s Coming Home”.
It may be a little early to get carried away, but this was the perfect warm-up for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup campaign.
As auditions go, Jude Bellingham passed with flying colors, Anthony Gordon scored brilliantly and Declan Rice also continued his Arsenal appearances, scoring goals.
John Stones took his chances and England were sharp and finished very well, clearly a notch better than in last Saturday’s friendly against New Zealand.
They got a taste of what’s to come this summer, as kickoff was delayed by an hour due to severe thunderstorms in Orlando.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were staying in a hotel 10 minutes away and had to wait until the situation calmed down. However, with just over an hour to kick-off, the rain had cleared and the clouds were replaced by sun, even though the pitch looked flooded and flooded.
Bellingham started ahead of Morgan Rodgers and it felt equally important that Gordon started ahead of Marcus Rashford. And with Bellingham in charge in midfield and Gordon looking very sharp despite lacking playing time in the final weeks of the Premier League season, the players took their chances.
England’s training camp in Florida has clearly paid off as they coped with the storm and humidity and came out stronger as the match progressed, despite Costa Rica being significantly outclassed.
England got off to a really threatening start. Bellingham saw the shot deflect slightly. There was no need for England to take the lead.
Jude Bellingham impressed after starting against Tuchel’s match against Costa Rica
Gordon made a great run down the left wing, the ball was cut back to Rice, who scored into the far corner. England was on a completely different level than Costa Rica.
Rice’s free-kick created a golden chance for Kane, whose header forced a good save from Costa Rica keeper Patrick Mejias.
Maduke made a shocking mistake. The Arsenal winger jumped past the keeper, but hit the post and scored right in front of him.
Gordon thought he might have been stumbled by the penalty initially awarded, which was later rescinded after a VAR review. Madueke regained his pride with a sensational effort that froze just wide.
Anthony Gordon put in an impressive performance as he bids for a starting spot against Croatia
Tuchel made a number of changes and finally got his second goal. Bellingham ran into the box, cut back and fired a shot at substitute Eberechi Eze, but it was deflected wide by the arm of Costa Rica’s Darryl Samuels.
Gordon stepped forward to receive the kick and smashed it into the top corner to secure victory and complete an impressive audition for the start of the World Cup.
The substitutes shook it up. Bukayo Saka has fitness concerns, but like the rest of his reserves, he is in good form and has stepped up a gear.
England looked really hungry, ready and keen. While they looked sluggish last weekend, they were looking further ahead and preparing for the tournament.
Rodgers’ shot was spilled by the Costa Rica keeper and Ollie Watkins was on hand to put in the rebound late on.
This sealed the victory and the England fans really sang with joy. Even the players, who were drenched before kickoff, were all smiles by the end.
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