As a storm lashed Orlando and lightning delayed kick-off by an hour, England's players still produced a 3-0 demolition of Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up. For the fans watching back home, it was a glimpse of what Thomas Tuchel's side might offer when the tournament begins. But what exactly is the point of these pre-tournament friendlies, and why do they matter?
World Cup warm-up matches are international friendlies played in the weeks before a major tournament. They allow managers to test tactics, give minutes to fringe players, and build momentum. For England in 2026, the match against Costa Rica followed a 1-0 win over New Zealand four days earlier. Tuchel used the game to finalise his starting XI for the group opener against Croatia, and the line-up offered strong hints. He selected Jude Bellingham as the No 10 ahead of Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon on the left over Marcus Rashford, Ezri Konsa in central defence instead of Marc Guéhi, and Noni Madueke on the right while Bukayo Saka was managed carefully due to a long-term injury.
“An explainer on England's pre-World Cup friendlies, their purpose and impact.”
The tradition of warm-up games dates back decades. Teams use them to acclimatise to local conditions, adjust to time zones, and sharpen fitness. For England, the match in Florida also served a psychological purpose. After a narrow win over New Zealand, Tuchel wanted more intensity and slick connections. The result against Costa Rica – goals from Declan Rice, Gordon (a penalty) and Ollie Watkins – gave the manager what he called "exactly what we wished for". He praised the "brotherhood" in the squad and declared England "ready" for the World Cup.
For UK readers, these warm-ups matter because they set expectations. Every performance is scrutinised, and selection decisions can dominate headlines. Gordon's display, in particular, caught the eye. The new Barcelona winger said: "Always pressure when you play for England. If you can't deal with that... I'm playing with amazing players who make me look much better." He also admitted he was "buzzing" when captain Harry Kane was substituted, allowing him to take the penalty.
Q: Why do teams play World Cup warm-up matches? Warm-ups give managers a chance to experiment with line-ups, build team cohesion, and prepare players for the intensity of tournament football. They also help players adjust to different climates and time zones before competitive games.
Q: How many warm-up matches do England usually play before a World Cup? Typically, England play two or three friendlies before a major tournament. In 2026, they faced New Zealand and Costa Rica, plus a behind-closed-doors match against Miami FC organised by Tuchel to give minutes to players who had limited game time.
Q: What did we learn from England's 3-0 win over Costa Rica? Tuchel showed his preferred starting XI for the Croatia opener, with Bellingham in the No 10 role and Gordon on the left. The team displayed intensity and created numerous chances, though the opposition was weak. Tuchel still has selection dilemmas – up to four changes are possible for the Croatia match.
What happens next: England play a private friendly against Miami FC on Thursday to work on set pieces and give minutes to squad players. After that, players get a day and a half off before travelling to Kansas to prepare for the Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas next Wednesday. Tuchel said: "Next stop Kansas."