Thomas Tuchel should reach some firmer conclusions around his strongest XI after England face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up tonight, at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium.
The Three Lions were far from spectacular in a box-ticking win against New Zealand in a humid Tampa Bay on Saturday night, thanks to Harry Kane’s first-half added-time header.
Tuchel may have made 11 substitutions at the break in that match, but tonight he may afford a longer run-out for players who are set to start the group opener versus Croatia on 17 June.
Bukayo Saka’s involvement will be curious given Tuchel’s admission on Tuesday that the Arsenal forward must be managed carefully while dealing with an injury that has been bothering him for months. But Saka aside, the rest of the squad appear fit and ready.
Kick-off in Orlando is at 9pm BST and you can follow every meaningful kick below.
Group L preview
Want to find out more about England opponents in Group L?
Here is Luke Baker’s all-you-need-to-know guide – from familiar foes to a struggling Ghana.
England are big favourites to win tonight’s warm-up against Costa Rica with Thomas Tuchel’s men odds on to take the win.
England – 1/6
Draw – 8/1
Costa Rica to win – 20/1
Predicted line-ups
England XI: Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane
Costa Rica XI: Sequeira, Quiros, Mitchell, Faerron, Araya, Salazar, Flores, Mora, Soto, Alcocer, Ugalde
Group L preview
Want to find out more about England opponents in Group L?
Here is Luke Baker’s all-you-need-to-know guide – from familiar foes to a struggling Ghana.
Thoughts on Saka’s squad inclusion amid injury fears?
“Why has Saka been picked if he isn’t fit?” asks one commenter on the Independent.
This is actually an interesting point. It seems like Tuchel knew Saka wouldn’t come into the World Cup at full fitness, but has decided he needs to bank on the Arsenal winger anyway.
How to watch England vs Costa Rica tonight
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8pm. It can also be streamed on ITVX.
Tuchel insists England will ‘physically push’ against Costa Rica
“No one needs a break, everyone is available, which is very good news,” Tuchel began yesterday, as he answered a question on the fitness of the squad.
He explained further: “No [injury] complaints after the first match… We are ready to give it a push tomorrow; meaning more than 45 minutes.
“Players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes. Then, we have a chance to load the players a day later in a match behind closed doors in our training facility, then pre-camp is finished.
“We then start our adventure two days later in Kansas.
“Tomorrow, we expect a physical push tomorrow. Physically, [with] intensity and style and play. We want to take the next step and we feel ready for it.”
England will ‘physically push’ against Costa Rica says Thomas Tuchel
The Three Lions boss also addressed England’s status as one of the favourites to win the tournamentAlex Pattle10 June 2026 18:39
England taking caution to ‘build up’ Saka as Arsenal players join squad
Thomas Tuchel addressed plenty of topics during his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Costa Rica and – amid descriptions of the relaxed nature of the pre-camp and avoiding direct answers over the more concerning issues with this World Cup – the England boss dropped a small nugget of concern regarding Bukayo Saka.
Saka, one of four Arsenal players who arrived late to pre-camp due to the Champions League final, will be monitored by the England staff who are ‘building him up’ for the start of the tournament.
Tuchel explained that Saka’s injury in March means a ‘little bit of care’ will need to be taken to make sure he hits his highest level in time for the World Cup 2026 group games.
The head coach said: “We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March and carried it through to club. He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly but he was managed in between matches; that continues a bit at the moment. We are building him up.”
More here:
England taking caution to ‘build up’ Bukayo Saka claims Thomas Tuchel
The England boss also spoke about the importance of both Declan Rice and John Stones as leaders for the teamAlex Pattle10 June 2026 18:15
England vs Costa Rica LIVE: Welcome to our coverage!
Thomas Tuchel should reach some firmer conclusions around his strongest XI after England face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up tonight, at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium.
The Three Lions were far from spectacular in a box-ticking win against New Zealand in a humid Tampa Bay on Saturday night, thanks to Harry Kane’s first-half added-time header.
Tuchel may have made 11 substitutions at the break in that match, but tonight he may afford a longer run-out for players who are set to start the group opener versus Croatia on 17 June.
Bukayo Saka’s involvement will be curious given Tuchel’s admission on Tuesday that the Arsenal forward must be managed carefully while dealing with an injury that has been bothering him for months. But Saka aside, the rest of the squad appear fit and ready.
Kick-off in Orlando is at 9pm BST and you can follow every meaningful kick right here.
Alex Pattle10 June 2026 18:03