Preview: England vs Costa Rica prediction, odds, where to watch, time | International Friendly
Can Thomas Tuchel lead The Three Lions to a big win over Costa Rica in the last game before the World Cup?
Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, gears up to host an international friendly fixture between heavyweights England and Costa Rica ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Three Lions enter the tournament as one of the favourites to win the World Cup 2026. They have an excellent squad on paper and their players are in top form. However, despite a streak of wins, their performance has been a bit unconvincing, just like their Euro 2024 group stage campaign.
England have come very close to clinching a major piece of silverware in the last couple of years. Whether it be making it to back-to-back Euro Finals or making it to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Thomas Tuchel would be keen to finally help England bring the World Cup trophy after a long wait of six decades.
Nobody can forget that moment back in 2014 when Costa Rica shocked the world by topping the Group of Death alongside three former World Cup winners, Italy, England, and Uruguay. It will be the first time in 16 years that Costa Rica won’t be competing in the FIFA World Cup.
Despite the qualification setback, they are one of the giant killers, who would be keen to shock England just like they did back in the 2014 World Cup by holding a star-studded England side to a goalless draw.
Kick-off:
- Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
- Stadium: Inter&Co Stadium
- Date: Wednesday, June 10
- Kick-off time: 9 p.m. BST; 1:30 a.m. IST (Thursday, June 11)
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: In use
Players to Watch
Marcus Rashford (England)
England’s joint-highest goal scorer during the 2022 edition, Rashford, will be playing his third World Cup in 2026. He is coming after an excellent form in the Spanish top flight with FC Barcelona, and that loan move from Old Trafford to Camp Nou changed everything for the English winger.
He had 25 goal contributions in 49 games for Barca and helped Hansi Flick’s Barca clinch a league and cup double.
His raw and terrifying pace and acceleration from the flanks is nothing less than a nightmare for wingbacks, who will have a tough time chasing Rashford for 90 minutes. He is in sublime form and will be looking to replicate his form with England in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Manfred Ugalde (Costa Rica)
From growing up idolising Sergio Aguero to leading the forward line for his country, Ugalde is one of the most valuable players for Costa Rica currently. Manfred Ugalde also won the Best Young Player award for the 2019 CONCACAF League at just 17.
He previously played for FC Twente in the Dutch top flight before making a move to Russia with Spartak Moscow, where he went on to have 11 goal contributions this season in over 35 games.
He was part of the Deportivo Saprissa squad that went on to win the CONCACAF League and Primera Division in 2019.
Match Facts
- Costa Rica remain winless against England.
- Costa Rica held a star-studded England side to a goalless draw in FIFA World Cup 2014
- Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck scored when England defeated Costa Rica in 2018
England vs Costa Rica: Betting Tips and Odds
- England to win the match – 1/7 with Betfred
- Harry Kane to score – 8/15 with Betfred
- England 3-0 Costa Rica – 5/1 with Betfred
Injury and Team News
Tuchel is expected to field Stones to give him more game time ahead of the World Cup. There are no injury concerns for England.
Costa Rica also have no injury concerns for the next game.
Head-to-Head
Total games: 02
England won: 01
Costa Rica won: 00
Matches drawn: 01
Predicted Lineups
England predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford (GK); Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane
Costa Rica predicted lineup (4-4-2)
Patrick Sequeira (GK); Haxzel Quirós, Kendall Waston, Juan Vargas, Francisco Calvo; Warren Madrigal, Andrey Soto, Aaron Murillo, Josimar Alcócer; Manfred Ugalde, Alvaro Zamora
Match Prediction
We expect this game to end in England’s favour. They would be keen to end the international friendlies on a strong note with a big win over Costa Rica in the next game.
Prediction: England 3-0 Costa Rica
Telecast Details
Globally: UEFA.tv
UK: ITV and BBC
Nigeria: StarTimes
North America: Primer Video, Fubo
When and where is the England vs Costa Rica match?
The venue is Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It will be played on Thursday, June 11, at 1:30 a.m. IST.
Where and how to watch England vs Costa Rica in the USA?
Fubo can be used to watch the fixture live.
Who is in England’s group for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Ghana, Panama and Croatia.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.