England vs Costa Rica lands in Orlando on Wednesday as Thomas Tuchel’s side play their final game before the 2026 World Cup. Kickoff is set for 4pm local time, 9pm in the UK, with 31 degrees expected and a chance of thunderstorms.
Tuchel’s selection call
Tuchel is expected to field his strongest side, a clear shift after he used a different XI in each half of England’s 1-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday. Harry Kane settled that match with a header, while Marcus Rashford looked lively and Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham both strengthened their cases for a starting role.
That gives England a useful decision point. The coaching staff can test how the more established names fit together without losing sight of the bigger priority: getting through the final warm-up without adding any injuries before the tournament.
Orlando heat and thunderstorms
The weather may end up shaping the night as much as the teams. A 31-degree kick-off and the chance of thunderstorms create a different sort of test, and it is one England are likely to treat as part of the dress rehearsal for the World Cup itself.
That risk is not limited to Wednesday. Thunderstorm season can affect several of the host cities at the finals, so the conditions in Orlando offer a preview of what England could face again next year.
Costa Rica’s recent results
Costa Rica arrive after a 3-1 loss to Colombia in a friendly last Tuesday and a 5-0 defeat to Iran at the end of March. England are generally 1/7 to win, and the bet on England to win and under 3.5 goals was evens and clicked against New Zealand.
That market has landed in six of England’s eight qualification games, which matches the way Tuchel has managed his side: controlled, selective and built around keeping the scoreline tight. For England, the real job in Orlando is less about style than leaving with the right starters, the right rhythm and no fresh setbacks.
