The storm had been so fierce that animals assembling two by two was all that was missing. For an hour, lightning and biblical rain held up England's final World Cup warm-up at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium. When the downpour finally relented, Thomas Tuchel's side showed they had not lost their focus.
Declan Rice swept them into a ninth-minute lead, a deflected left-footed shot after Anthony Gordon – preferred to Marcus Rashford on the left – had darted round Costa Rica right-back Shawn Johnson and pulled back from the byline. “I was buzzing H was off,” Gordon said of his second‑half penalty, after captain Harry Kane had been substituted. “When I knew he was off I wanted to take it. I love penalties, the pressure of them.” Ollie Watkins tapped in a late third from close range after substitute Morgan Rogers' shot was saved.
“Anthony Gordon scores as England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in final World Cup warm-up after storm delay.”
The game was framed by Tuchel's selection calls. Jude Bellingham started at No 10 ahead of Rogers, Ezri Konsa over Marc Guéhi in central defence, and Noni Madueke on the right as Bukayo Saka was not at 100%. Saka came off the bench to replace Madueke, who had hit the post. Gordon, the new Barcelona winger, tormented Johnson all afternoon. Bellingham set the tone with a block tackle eight seconds after kick-off.
Tuchel, who could make up to four changes for the World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas next Wednesday, was effusive. “Tonight makes my mind very calm because we're absolutely progressing in the right way,” he told ITV. “Very proud today of the team spirit and behaviour.” He confirmed a behind‑closed‑doors friendly against Miami FC on Thursday to give minutes to those who did not play much. “Then we go to Kansas and prepare for Croatia. Today is exactly what we wished for, what we wanted. I'm very proud. Next stop Kansas.”
After a sluggish win over New Zealand, England showed greater intensity. The paucity of Costa Rica – who barely saw the ball – must be considered, but there was encouragement. Tuchel said: “We just saw very good substitutes who were disappointed not to start and played with same intensity and quality against a more tired opponent. Well done everyone.”
With seven days until Croatia, the German declared his side are ready. “Players get one and a half days off to switch off physically and mentally,” he said. The brotherhood, he believes, can end a 60‑year wait.