England vs Costa Rica
Match Report
England signed off their pre-World Cup preparations in style, hammering Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando — a kick-off delayed an hour by a thunderstorm did little to blunt the Three Lions. Declan Rice struck in the ninth minute to settle any nerves, his deflected first-time finish off an Anthony Gordon cut-back looping past the goalkeeper.
The first half was full of missed opportunities: Noni Madueke rattled the post after a Jude Bellingham through-ball, and a penalty was overturned by VAR just before the break. Gordon finally got his spot-kick in the 67th minute after a Costa Rica handball, and Ollie Watkins sealed it at 86', tapping in the rebound after goalkeeper Madriz could only parry Morgan Rogers' dipping strike.
The convincing win sends England into the World Cup in confident mood, with their opener against Croatia up next. Costa Rica, who managed just a single shot all evening, face a steep climb ahead of their own tournament campaign.
Match Events
9'
22'
S. Johnson(Tripping)
45'
C. Mora(Foul)
45+2'
46'
55'
A. Salazar(Foul)
63'
63'
63'
68'
71'
71'
71'
71'
71'
75'
C. Nunez(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
81'
82'
87'
9'
22'
S. Johnson(Tripping)
45'
C. Mora(Foul)
45+2'
46'
55'
A. Salazar(Foul)
63'
63'
68'
71'
71'
71'
71'
75'
C. Nunez(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
81'
82'
87'
Statistics
81%Possession19%
28Shots1
8Shots on Target0
11Corners1
7Fouls24
0Yellow Cards4
552Passes130
0Saves6
Head to Head
2
England wins
1
Draws
0
Costa Rica wins
Goals: 5 - 0
