Five important things we learned from England’s win over Costa Rica pre-World Cup 2026

The Three Lions came out on top with a 3-0 victory.

The Thomas Tuchel-led side are one of the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their last two friendlies ahead of the mega competition ended in their favour despite not being able to put up their best performances.

The England national football team last lifted FIFA’s flagship trophy in 1966 and have a chance to claim the world championship crown once again. They will be heading to the World Cup with their wins over New Zealand and Costa Rica in international friendly fixtures.

The Three Lions are heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a star-studded lineup. Between the sticks, Thomas Tuchel has the option to start with the UEFA Conference League winner Dean Henderson and the experienced Jordan Pickford.

Making up the midfield are Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice. The Three Lions also have an experienced Jordan Henderson and a young Kobbie Mainoo who can be beneficial.

At the backline, John Stones and Marc Guehi are most likely to be the starting centre-backs. On the left, it can be Nico O’Reilly or Myles Lewis-Skelly. Reece James might be the starting right-back.

At the attacking front, Harry Kane will be the first-choice striker. If fully fit, Bukayo Saka is likely to start on the right flank. On the left, it can be Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Five important things we learned

1. Declan Rice with another reliable performance

The Arsenal midfield maestro was everywhere on the field. He opened the scoring for the Three Lions after scoring a goal early in the game. Declan Rice controlled the midfield well and also gave a hard time to the opponents by tracking back. He continues to be the heartbeat for England in the midfield and will be one of the top performers for them at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

2. Noni Madueke start over Bukayo Saka

Thomas Tuchel’s choice to start Noni Madueke signifies that Bukayo Saka is still not 100% at the moment. Even though Madueke performed well on the right flank for the England national football team, he missed an important opportunity to double the lead for his side after failing to score on an open goal.

3. England’s well-organised defence

The Englishmen only allowed a single chance to Costa Rica. The Three Lions did not concede a goal and maintained a clean sheet to secure an easy win. In the first half, Tuchel started with Ezri Konsa and John Stones as the centre-backs. They did a good job alongside Nico O’Reilly and Reece James as the full-backs. In the second half, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah made a strong defensive backline.

4. Anthony Gordon with a strong effort

The battle to start on the left flank for the England national football team is heating up. Strong options like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are fighting for the starting spot. Gordon came in clutch for the Three Lions with a top performance. He provided an assist for the opening goal and then scored a sensational spot kick to double the lead for his side.

5. Attacking depth a major weapon for England

The Thomas Tuchel-led side put in a top show against Costa Rica. They came in with more than 25 attempts on goal. Even though they missed out on some major chances, the Three Lions were able to build continuous pressure in the final third.

England have strong options in the attacking front, starting with captain Harry Kane. Anthony Gordon put in a top show. Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka came close to scoring a goal. Ollie Watkins scored a late goal as a substitute. Marcus Rashford looked like a constant threat on the left flank after coming on in during the second half.

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