England ensured they will head into the World Cup off the back of a win – and with a markedly improved performance after they saw off Costa Rica.
The Three Lions made hard work of beating New Zealand at the weekend, but in Orlando they looked far closer to their best with Declan Rice getting the ball rolling after lightning after rain had delayed Wednesday’s kick-off. Anthony Gordon would add a second from the spot in the second-half as Ollie Watkins also got in on the act.
Rice’s opener owed to a strong burst of pace from Gordon, who was a standout for the Three Lions. He bypassed his opponent before laying on the Arsenal midfielder. His scuffed shot also took a deflection, but it was good enough to nestle into the bottom corner.
Costa Rica, who are ranked 53rd in the world, admitted that they team they put out was a development side, which certainly decreased the level of competition England had to negotiate. Noni Madueke should’ve doubled the Three Lions’ lead, but the winger missed an open goal as his shot came off the post.
England were dealt their first VAR setback of the summer when they intervened to overrule the referee, who had given a penalty for a foul on Gordon, only to see it overturned.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have shown they can dominate possession and territory, which they did once again in Florida, but the lack of a killer instinct looked as if it may remain an issue. England though were handed the ideal opportunity to hammer home their advantage when Costa Rica were pinned for a handball.
With no Harry Kane on the pitch Gordon stepped up and emphatically hammered home his penalty into the top corner. Morgan Rogers missed a golden opportunity to make it three as the Aston Villa playmaker couldn’t hit the target when sent through, but his club team-mate Watkins showed a more clinical side late on and reacted quickest to nod home from five yards. Here’s the talking points from a comfortable England win.
The debate over England’s best XI from the squad picked by Tuchel has rumbled on ever since the 26-man group was named, but the starting line-up the German named on Wednesday night is perhaps as close to England at 100 percent as we get. Elliot Anderson is likely to be Rice’s midfield partner.
View 4 ImagesDeclan Rice and Anthony Gordon combined for England’s opener
When fit, Reece James is the country’s best right-back and Nico O’Reilly has established himself as the best on the left. The wide options are where England maybe have their greatest depth, but Gordon showed that he is ready to be put in the elite bracket. Nevertheless it was good to see Tuchel give his big guns a run out where they can continue building their combinations.
The former Newcastle winger recently completed his move to Barcelona. When speaking about the switch he’s oozed confidence and clearly that’s manifesting itself on the pitch. Gordon’s pace caused havoc down the England left and he’s doing a good job of nailing down his first-team spot.
Gordon has often risen to the big occasion and there’s none bigger than the World Cup. Being pursued by Barcelona looks to have given a player who was never shy of self belief even more, and that can only be advantageous for England with the 25-year-old looking primed ahead of the opening game and is borderline making himself undroppable.
On the other flank Madueke will certainly want to forget his horror miss when it appeared harder to miss, than score. Prior to that the Arsenal winger had done everything perfectly, seeing the run and then getting on his bike as he was sent clear. Madueke showed elite composure after that.
View 4 ImagesNoni Madueke missed a golden chance to put England two goals ahead
But that’s where the brilliance ended. After Madueke rounded the goalkeeper all he had to do was pass into an empty net, but the winger used his left foot when everything suggested he should’ve gone with his right. His shot came off the post, and the England man was left with a smile, likely to hide the embarrassment.
The positives: yes England dominated and yes they’ve become a side who know how to boss possession and territory. But let’s be frank, whilst this was comfortable, in the latter stages of the World Cup England could well be left to regret the chances they let pass them by.
It wasn’t until they were gifted a penalty that the Three Lions got the second goal which made the game more comfortable. Against a Spain, a France, an Argentina, the team are unlikely to be afforded that luxury. Some big name players missed some big chances, and England can’t afford to be that wasteful if they really want to claim tournament glory.
View 4 ImagesEngland’s game was delayed by an hour due to the weather
This weather could be a sign of things to come! There were plenty of warnings 12 months ago when the States had the Club World Cup, and before the World Cup has officially begun we’ve seen just what chaos the elements can – and probably will – create. England and Costa Rica won’t be the only teams impacted by extreme weather.
That will lead to delays, but FIFA and their schedule will have their work cut out if the weather ends up preventing games from finishing. Chelsea saw a game with Benfica end more than four hours after it kicked off. It will certainly keep players and coaches on their toes with the teams who adapt best set to thrive.
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