Line-up, stats and preview for the Three Lions’ final World Cup warm-up clash
England vs Costa Rica match preview
England will wrap up their World Cup preparations on Wednesday evening when they take on Costa Rica in Orlando, with Thomas Tuchel looking to impress ahead of the Three Lions’ opening game against Croatia.
The German coach watched his team beat New Zealand 1-0 on Saturday in a game that did not provide much excitement.
Tuchel was openly critical of the display, with difficult weather conditions, a poor playing surface and widespread second-half changes contributing to a disparate performance.
England have yet to concede more than one point a game in 2026, although their defensive record remains strong.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, will not participate in this summer’s World Cup after failing during the CONCACAF qualifiers. Los Ticos won all four of their second round qualifiers but failed to maintain that momentum in the next round, losing four of six and finishing behind Haiti and Honduras.
Their disappointment with the title led to the departure of Miguel Herrera, and the former manager of Venezuela, Fernando Batista. The Argentinian is still searching for his first win, as he drew 2-2 with Jordan before losing to Iran and Colombia.
England vs Costa Rica team news
England have been boosted by the arrival of a number of players who have been given extra time to rest following their run to the Champions League final.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have now joined the squad, with Rice and Saka expected to return to the starting line-up.
Tuchel is likely to close in on his stronger XI after touring New Zealand extensively. Jude Bellingham, Reece James and Nico O’Reilly are also likely to start, while John Stones and Marc Guehi are expected to continue in the heart of defence.
Costa Rica is without experienced striker Joel Campbell, who is not included in the current squad.
That puts a huge burden on Spartak Moscow striker Manfred Ugalde, who is the leading foreign scorer in the current Costa Rica squad and will be a major attacking threat.
Anticipated matches of England vs Costa Rica
In England: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Four times
Costa Rica: Sequeira; Quiros, Mitchell, Faerron, Araya; Salazar, Flores; Mora, Soto, Alcocer; Ugalde
Where to watch England vs Costa Rica: TV channel, live streaming online
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 BST on Wednesday, June 10.
The broadcast will be available on ITV1, while UK viewers will also be able to catch the game on ITVX.
England vs Costa Rica statistics
- England have kept a clean sheet in their last 12 wins.
- Harry Kane scored his 79th cap against New Zealand.
- England have failed to score more than one point in a game in 2026.
- The Three Lions are unbeaten in their last two matches against Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica held England 0-0 in the 2014 World Cup.
- England beat Costa Rica 2-0 in a friendly in 2018.
- Costa Rica failed to win any of Fernando Batista’s first games in charge.
- Los Ticos have conceded 10 goals in their last three games.
- Costa Rica missed out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after finishing behind Haiti and Honduras.
- England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 18.
England vs Costa Rica Prediction
England have not been in good attacking form in these warm-up games, but the expected return of several key players should greatly improve their threat going forward.
Costa Rica’s defensive struggles and recent results suggest they may struggle to contain a strong England side, with the Three Lions looking to head into the World Cup on a positive note.
Prediction: England 3-0 Costa Rica
