England Ready for the World Cup After Convincing 3-0 Win Over Costa Rica

Summary: England - Costa Rica 0:3 / Sport1

The England national team wrapped up its World Cup preparations with a convincing 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando, in a match that produced one of its better performances in recent weeks. Kickoff was delayed by an hour because of storms in the area, but once the game began, the English wasted no time.

Declan Rice put his side ahead early after his shot changed direction on the way into the net, in a move that began with good work from Anthony Gordon, who recently completed a move to Barcelona. Jude Bellingham, who started in an attacking midfield role ahead of Morgan Rogers, looked particularly sharp and made a strong case to start England's first World Cup match against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas.

In the first half, the Real Madrid midfielder produced a fine through ball to Noni Madueke, but the winger missed a great chance after going around goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira and hitting the post from almost an empty net, in a rather stunning miss. In the 68th minute, Bellingham was also involved in the second goal. After an impressive individual run by him, the ball reached Eberechi Eze, whose shot was stopped by a Costa Rican player's hand. Anthony Gordon stepped up to take the penalty and converted from the spot.

Three minutes from time, Ollie Watkins sealed the result with a close-range header after coming off the bench, securing a win that reflected England's clear superiority for most of the match. Before the start of the World Cup, England will play one more match behind closed doors against Miami FC, in order to give certain players more minutes and work on final tactical details. The team will then turn its full attention to the real task, the opening match against Croatia, where it will begin its attempt to win the World Cup.