The storm that delayed kick-off by an hour in Orlando was soon forgotten as England swept aside Costa Rica 3-0 – a performance that left Thomas Tuchel with the kind of selection headache every manager craves before a World Cup.
Jude Bellingham, handed his first start in the number 10 role, produced a display the German boss described as that of "a man on a mission". The Real Madrid midfielder danced past several defenders in the build-up to England's second goal, finding Eberechi Eze whose shot was handled – prompting Anthony Gordon to smash the resulting penalty into the top corner.
“Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon impress as England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in final World Cup warm-up.”
Gordon had already staked his claim earlier. The Newcastle winger, preferred to Marcus Rashford on the left, made a searing run down the flank before cutting the ball back for Declan Rice to sweep home England's opener. It was a move that showcased exactly why Tuchel has kept faith with the 23-year-old despite limited Premier League minutes in the closing weeks of the season.
"It was a very strong line-up but it was a very strong bench as well," said Tuchel after the match, refusing to confirm whether the same XI would face Croatia in Dallas on 17 June. "We will always keep our cards in our hand."
The 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa had been little more than a glorified training session, with Tuchel fielding two different teams in each half. But against Costa Rica, England went up a notch. Arsenal winger Noni Madueke was guilty of an astonishing miss – rounding the keeper only to hit the post with an open goal in front of him – but the overall performance was described as "perfect" preparation.
Bellingham, who had endured a mixed season interrupted by shoulder and hamstring injuries, resembled a man on a mission. The 22-year-old played a superb through ball to Madueke in the first half and was commanding in midfield throughout. His rivalry with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers for the number 10 role has been the defining debate of Tuchel's tenure. Rogers had been the player in possession, but Bellingham's audition in Orlando passed with flying colours.
John Stones also did his chances a power of good, while Rice carried on where he left off for Arsenal by scoring. By the end, England fans were chanting "It's Coming Home" – premature perhaps, but the sense of momentum is building. Tuchel now has 14 or 15 players he considers "starters" within his squad. Which 11 takes the field against Croatia will be the biggest decision of his reign.