england world cup 2022 ended with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando, and Thomas Tuchel got a sharper look at his preferred starting XI before the 2026 World Cup. The match started late after a storm delay, then England handled a Costa Rica side that did not simply arrive to make up the numbers.
Rice Starts England Fast
Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 10th minute after Anthony Gordon created the move from the left. England needed that early strike to settle a game that had already been pushed back by the weather and briefly tested by Costa Rica’s work rate.
Gordon kept causing problems down the left, and Rice finished the first clear opening England produced. That gave Tuchel an early example of the balance he wanted: direct running, pressure in advanced areas, and a midfield runner arriving at the right time.
Madueke Misses the Gap
The sharpest chance before half-time fell to Noni Madueke. Jude Bellingham collected the ball in the 36th minute inside an attacking pocket, turned, and slipped a pinpoint pass into the winger’s path.
Madueke rounded the goalkeeper with the goal gaping, then hit the post from close range when he could have rolled the ball into an empty net with his right foot. The chance stood out because Bellingham had done the hardest part, and England’s shape had already pulled Costa Rica apart enough to create a simple finish.
Barcelona Winger And Watkins Finish It
England settled the match after the break when the newly-signed Barcelona winger converted a penalty won by Eberechi Eze. That made it 2-0 and removed any late doubt in a game that had been more physical than recent England matches.
Ollie Watkins added the third in the 87th minute, heading in from close range after coming off the bench. By then, Tuchel had already seen enough of his likely first-choice side against a team that made England work from the outset, and the week ahead now turns to Croatia in Group L.
