Thomas Tuchel should reach some firmer conclusions around his strongest XI after England face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up tonight, at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium –although an hour later than planned after a storm delayed kick-off.
The Three Lions were far from spectacular in a box-ticking win against New Zealand on Saturday, but emerged victorious due to Harry Kane’s first-half header. Tuchel may have made 11 substitutions at the break in that match, but tonight he may afford a longer run-out for players who are set to start the group opener versus Croatia on 17 June.
In fact, his starting XI may be a clue to his team for that game, and they have made a fast start already, with Declan Rice putting England 1-0 up with a deflected shot.
Bukayo Saka’s involvement – or lack thereof, after Noni Madueke started ahead of him – will be curious given Tuchel’s admission on Tuesday: the Arsenal forward must be managed carefully, said the coach, due to an injury that has been bothering him for months.
Kick-off in Orlando is at 10pm BST, and you can follow every meaningful kick below.
Read MoreEngland will ‘physically push’ against Costa Rica in final World Cup warm-up says Thomas Tuchel
England taking caution to ‘build up’ Bukayo Saka as Arsenal players join squad in Florida
World Cup 2026 live: Gianni Infantino to give major press conference on eve of tournament
England 1-0 Costa Rica
- 45+3' NO PENALTY! Gordon goes down in box but VAR check denies England
- 37' OUCH! Elliot Anderson involved in clash of heads as action is briefly paused
- 36' POST! Noni Madueke put through one-on-one, but hits the post with an open goal
- 9' GOAL! Declan Rice’s deflected shot puts Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead from Anthony Gordon assist
- KICK OFF: England play Costa Rica in Orlando friendly, as final warm-up for World Cup
- England XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
- Game delayed by one hour after heavy rain and lightning near stadium
- Game gives Tuchel final chance to firm up his starting XI for tournament
Promising signs
23:01 , Richard JollyAn encouraging first half from Anthony Gordon, even if he did go to ground too easily for the penalty that wasn't. Declan Rice also played well, but his place in the side was secure
Predictions bonanza
23:00 , Alan SmithIndy Sport’s writers have made their selections for USA, Canada and Mexico 2026
Half-time! England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:53 , Alan SmithThat’s the break. It’s been pretty good from England. Not perfect but much improved. Back soon for more action and analysis.
Decision overturned! England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:53 , Alan Smith45+3’ - It’s overturned because it’s not a foul. Good process.
Still, what a beautiful pass from Kane,
Penalty for England - maybe! England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:52 , Alan Smith45+2’ - Kane sends a diagonal pass towards Gordon, who falls to the floor under pressure from Johnson and the referee signals for a penalty.
But VAR is now asking her to check the monitor.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:49 , Alan Smith45’ - Mora is booked for clattering into Anderson. Costa Rica, who are not at the World Cup, are playing as if this is a competitive match.
There will be four minutes added on.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:47 , Alan Smith43’ - Now O’Reilly is down momentarily following a collision with Soto. A few seconds later Ugalde and Konsa are all over each other. It’s becoming bitty and not far off dirty. Someone on the Costa Rica bench has been booked and one can only hope no England player picks up a silly injury.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:44 , Alan Smith40’ - Araya, the Costa Rica left back, leaves one in on Madueke and the England man is livid. They have a go at each other and Bellingham then gets involved, exchanging words and raising a hand towards the opposition defender without actually making contact with him. England have yet another free kick. Rice takes but it is cleared.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:42 , Alan Smith38’ - We’re back underway and both players are fine to continue. Kane is on the ball ... in the middle of his own box and looking to build up play from the back. Suddenly England are on the attack, a series of passes ending with Bellingham sending a cross from the left too deep.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:41 , Alan Smith37’ - Ouch. Anderson and Galo both try to head the ball but end up colliding with each other. They are receiving treatment but fortunately look fine to continue and not overly dazed.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:40 , Alan Smith36’ - What a miss from Madueke! He exploits a gap in the Costa Rica defence, receiving a through ball from Bellingham. He then produces some magical skill to round the keeper but sends his shot towards an open goal off the post. The Arsenal man shakes his head. Tuchel does the same.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:38 , Alan Smith34’ - Rice fires high and wide.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:37 , Alan Smith33’ - Gordon, who has been really good, is fouled once more just outside the area - this time by Mitchell - and Rice will seek to deliver some more magic.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:34 , Alan Smith29’ - We’re back underway. And Pickford, who has little to do, mishits a pass out from the back. It lands at the feet of Mora but he hesitates and a rare Costa Rica chance passes by.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:29 , Alan Smith25’ - The corner amounts to little. It’s time for a drinks break.
England 1-0 Costa Rica.
22:29 , Alan Smith25’ - More good play. Anderson sends in a swerving cross that can only be cleared as far as Madueke and his stinging shot is saved. Rice will send in another corner.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:27 , Alan Smith24’ - Rice’s low-flight delivery is cleared.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:26 , Alan Smith22’ - Gordon advances forward again and Johnson this time decides to kick him to the ground, earning a yellow card. The Barcelona winger looks a bit sore but will be OK to continue.
Rice swings the free in and Kane directs a glancing header goalwards. It’s well saved and England have another corner.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:25 , Alan Smith20’ - Just as we begin to get excited by how promising England’s start has been, the intensity drops several notches. They remain dominant and comfortable but the pace is slower.
Declan Rice’s goal and celebration in photos
22:24 , Alex Pattle
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:22 , Alan Smith18’ - Now it’s Madueke’s turn, charging down the right before cutting back and recycling the ball infield towards Bellingham. Costa Rica do not look up to much, still sitting back despite being behind.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:19 , Alan Smith15’ - Rice sends it deep, Kane meets it but the move breaks down and Costa Rica win a free kick.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:17 , Alan Smith14’ - Gordon shimmies in from the left again past a hapless Johnson. He shoots from a tight angle and wins a corner.
Gordon stakes case
22:16 , Richard JollyA first goal as England's official vice-captain for Declan Rice. And after Marcus Rashford played well against New Zealand, Anthony Gordon stakes his case to start on the left.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
22:16 , Alan Smith12’ - England are back on the attack again, Madueke making his way dangerously down the right. This, so far, is world’s apart from Saturday’s game.
GOAL! England 1-0 Costa Rica (Rice, 9)
22:14 , Alan SmithAnd England are in front. Gordon cuts in from the left and squares back for Rice to finish first time with his left foot. It takes a deflection but that’s a pretty good goal and Tuchel will be delighted by this start.
England 0-0 Costa Rica
22:13 , Alan Smith8’ - Kane, following a tussle in the box, is now looking for a penalty but the ref is again not interested. This has been a far more entertaining start compared to Saturday night’s tedium. England’s passing is crisper.
England 0-0 Costa Rica
22:11 , Alan Smith6’ - ... which Madueke delivers. Bellingham is down looking for a penalty but the referee is not interested and a rather fine ball in is cleared.
England 0-0 Costa Rica
22:09 , Richard Jolly5’ - Some neat play from England across midfield but Costa Rica are already dropping deep. Eventually Bellingham, on the edge of the ‘D’ sends a right-footed shot towards goal. It’s blocked and England have a corner...
Kane's appearance numbers
22:07 , Richard JollyHarry Kane draws level with Steven Gerrard on 114 caps for England. By the end of the World Cup, he might be behind only Peter Shilton.
England 0-0 Costa Rica
22:06 , Alan Smith1’ - James commits an early foul for a push on the back of Alcocer, who would like some medical treatment on his arms having fallen awkwardly. Play restarts with Costa Rice playing it sideways across the middle of the park.
Kick-off! England 0-0 Costa Rica
22:04 , Alan Smith1’ - We’re underway at last in Orlando, Costa Rica kicking off and playing right to left as we watch.
England are wearing their first-choice white kit. Costa Rica are also in their primary colours of red.
Anthems underway
21:59 , Alan SmithThe teams are out, greeted by a fireworks display before the anthems. It also looks like a pretty good crowd is in - though this stadium is half the size of Tampa Bay’s arena.
Almost time
21:55 , Alan SmithWe’re almost ready. An hour later than planned by the players are moments from emerging from the tunnel.
O'Reilly speaks
21:51 , Alan SmithTonight’s starting left back tells ITV what he makes of the conditions.
“The game is important for us preparation wise, it will be a good test. The pitch is good, nothing wrong with it, we’re ready to go. It’s still very hot, we’ll go out and enjoy the football. We need a more intense kind of game, running, battling for duels and getting something out of it.”
Tuchel speaks
21:48 , Alan SmithSome words from the England manager’s pre-match chat with ITV
On the weather delay: “It gives us a little bit of taste of what can happen in the tournament … now we experience it, it’s no problem … [It] should not be an excuse to lose our mood or patience or hunger to play the game. The pitch seemed surprisingly dry for the amount of water that came down … It seems good to play.”
On his team adapting to the heat: “We can see we have made progress when we checked the blood and sweat of the players . Acclimatisation is there. We are getting fitter and fitter, now it is on the team to put a good performance.”
Why World Cup games could face long delays due to lightning strikes
21:36 , Alan SmithWith Fifa adhering to rules set by local authorities during the tournament, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that if any lightning strike is detected within eight miles of a stadium the game has to be stopped.
That was a scenario seen several times during last year’s Club World Cup in the US, with six matches halted due to electrical storms.
That included an encounter between Chelsea and Benfica which kicked off at 4.38pm local time and eventually finished four hours and 38 minutes after it had begun.
Stadiums in the Gulf Coast area and south east of the United States are likeliest to come under threat from thunderstorms, with Fifa addressing each match on a case-by-case basis if play is halted.
Warm-ups commence
21:15 , Alan SmithThe players are trotting out to begin their warm-ups in Orlando.
What is the over under on matches being delayed owing to bad weather across Gianni’s 104 Super Bowls?
21:11 , Alan SmithWe’re up to the shootout in the 2022 final rewatch and, unsurprisingly, it remains a brilliantly entertaining watch for any neutral. It’s not just the best World Cup final ever, if drama is what matters most it may be among the greatest matches played full stop.
An hour to go
21:01 , Alan SmithHopefully we have some action at 10pm.
If you are not watching on TV and wondering how ITV are filling this extra hour of airtime, they are showing highlights of the 2022 final - including Macron’s fist-pumping celebration when Mbappe levelled.
Scene-setting
20:59 , Alan SmithSome images of a much drier stadium are landing on the wires now.
Pre-match reading
20:51 , Alan SmithFrom unprecedented wars and rip-off ticket prices to Gianni Infantino selling football’s soul and Donald Trump’s determination to create a “Maga World Cup”, Miguel Delaney details how the 2026 tournament has been riddled with controversy.
Can Infantino keep going until kick-off?
20:44 , Alan SmithIf he wanted to, undoubtedly. But Fifa’s president has just called an end to his press conference and he took no questions from those known to be critical of his running of the governing body.
Infantino claims it would have been "impossible" to hold a World Cup in the United States without the help of Donald Trump, who he has "a great relationship" with.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 10, 2026
New kick-off time confirmed
20:37 , Alan SmithAs it stands we will now be getting underway at 22:00 BST - pending another storm.
Infantino latest
20:30 , Alan SmithInfantino, in case you were wondering, is putting on a show in his pre-tournament presser.
Alex Pattle is still updating and after 50 minutes the Fifa president has opened the floor to questions.
Follow along here while we wait for more news from Florida.
Tuchel goes strong
20:22 , Alan SmithThat team looks close to the starting XI Tuchel would like versus Croatia in seven days time.
Marc Guehi for Ezri Konsa and Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke look like two likely changes. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers may be a toss up. Beyond that it looks well set.
England team confirmed
20:15 , Alan SmithYour #ThreeLions team news 📋 pic.twitter.com/m72pWuaZ3m
— England (@England) June 10, 2026
Maybe not
20:13 , Alan SmithLess promising news from BBC’s radio commentator Ian Dennis
Pitch inspection taking place at 3.15. Kick off time to be advised but we are looking at an hour delay. 5pm local/10pm UK. Only spitting now… fans entering the stadium pic.twitter.com/bns5WnYpVc
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) June 10, 2026
Is the storm passing?
20:09 , Alan SmithYes! The rain appears to be stopping according to reports on the ground so we may indeed get underway in 80 minutes. Which means team news could be with us soon.
A 30-minute delay - maybe
19:56 , Alan SmithThe latest information is that kick-off will be at 21:30 BST - but let’s wait and see.
Kick-off delayed
19:47 , Alan SmithAn update on today's game against Costa Rica: pic.twitter.com/7wDYB72jua
— England (@England) June 10, 2026
Inside the ground
19:46 , Alan SmithThese latest pictures show just how heavy the rain has fallen. That drainage better be very good.
Weather latest
19:40 , Alan SmithSome more details here from ITV’s commentary team inside the stadium. Supposedly the pitch has good drainage but that footage does not look promising - look at the puddles.
England’s starting XI should be confirmed in about five minutes.
Inclement weather ahead of England v Costa Rica! 🌧️
Apparently, the Inter&Co Stadium has good drainage... 🤞 @sammatterface | @LeeDixon2 pic.twitter.com/YUllbCRqHW
Our new World Cup newsletter
19:32 , Alan SmithOver six weeks, 48 nations will battle it out across the United States, Canada and Mexico, producing unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, tactical masterclasses and plenty of controversy along the way.
But with matches taking place across multiple time zones and headlines arriving around the clock, keeping up with everything that matters will be a challenge.
That's where our World Cup Insider newsletter comes in.
Landing in your inbox every morning throughout the tournament, World Cup Insider is your essential guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Designed to cut through the noise, it brings together the key stories, standout moments and expert analysis you need to stay on top of the action.
World Cup predictions
19:30 , Alan SmithWho will win? Who is going to grab the golden boot? Which breakout star will become a household name?
What will this weather mean for World Cup games themselves?
19:27 , Alex PattleCurrent weather conditions outside the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. England are due to play Costa Rica at 4pm local time. Thunder & lightning strikes. Event organisers say, as it stands, there is no delay. Kick off is two hours away. #ThreeLions @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/HU0rLheOZi
— Dan Sheldon (@Dan_Sheldon_) June 10, 2026
Rain ‘and lightning’ as England wait on Costa Rica game
19:24 , Alex PattleVery, very heavy rain and lightning ahead of England’s final friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando ahead of the World Cup. Under two hours to kick off - if the game goes ahead…. pic.twitter.com/kRUZfSeBy8
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) June 10, 2026
Heavy rain has England vs Costa Rica in doubt?
19:21 , Alex Pattle
Follow Infantino's pre-tournament press conference
19:20 , Alan SmithThe Fifa president is set to speak from around 19:30 BST. Can he go one better than the ‘Today I feel ...’ speech in Qatar? Do not put it past him.
Join Alex Pattle for the coverage of that event.
Group L preview
19:12 , Alan SmithWant to find out more about England opponents in Group L?
Here is Luke Baker’s all-you-need-to-know guide - from familiar foes to a struggling Ghana.
19:08 , Alan SmithEngland are big favourites to win tonight’s warm-up against Costa Rica with Thomas Tuchel’s men odds on to take the win.
England - 1/6
Draw - 8/1
Costa Rica to win - 20/1
Predicted line-ups
19:00 , Alan SmithEngland XI: Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane
Costa Rica XI: Sequeira, Quiros, Mitchell, Faerron, Araya, Salazar, Flores, Mora, Soto, Alcocer, Ugalde
Group L preview
18:55 , Alan SmithWant to find out more about England opponents in Group L?
Here is Luke Baker’s all-you-need-to-know guide - from familiar foes to a struggling Ghana.
Thoughts on Saka’s squad inclusion amid injury fears?
18:54 , Alex Pattle“Why has Saka been picked if he isn’t fit?” asks one commenter on the Independent.
This is actually an interesting point. It seems like Tuchel knew Saka wouldn’t come into the World Cup at full fitness, but has decided he needs to bank on the Arsenal winger anyway.
How to watch England vs Costa Rica tonight
18:47 , Alex PattleViewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8pm. It can also be streamed on ITVX.
Tuchel insists England will 'physically push' against Costa Rica
18:39 , Alex Pattle“No one needs a break, everyone is available, which is very good news,” Tuchel began yesterday, as he answered a question on the fitness of the squad.
He explained further: “No [injury] complaints after the first match... We are ready to give it a push tomorrow; meaning more than 45 minutes.
“Players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes. Then, we have a chance to load the players a day later in a match behind closed doors in our training facility, then pre-camp is finished.
“We then start our adventure two days later in Kansas.
“Tomorrow, we expect a physical push tomorrow. Physically, [with] intensity and style and play. We want to take the next step and we feel ready for it.”
England will ‘physically push’ against Costa Rica says Thomas Tuchel
England taking caution to ‘build up’ Saka as Arsenal players join squad
18:15 , Alex PattleThomas Tuchel addressed plenty of topics during his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Costa Rica and – amid descriptions of the relaxed nature of the pre-camp and avoiding direct answers over the more concerning issues with this World Cup – the England boss dropped a small nugget of concern regarding Bukayo Saka.
Saka, one of four Arsenal players who arrived late to pre-camp due to the Champions League final, will be monitored by the England staff who are ‘building him up’ for the start of the tournament.
Tuchel explained that Saka’s injury in March means a ‘little bit of care’ will need to be taken to make sure he hits his highest level in time for the World Cup 2026 group games.
The head coach said: "We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March and carried it through to club. He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly but he was managed in between matches; that continues a bit at the moment. We are building him up.”
More here:
England taking caution to ‘build up’ Bukayo Saka claims Thomas Tuchel
England vs Costa Rica LIVE: Welcome to our coverage!
18:03 , Alex PattleThomas Tuchel should reach some firmer conclusions around his strongest XI after England face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up tonight, at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium.
The Three Lions were far from spectacular in a box-ticking win against New Zealand in a humid Tampa Bay on Saturday night, thanks to Harry Kane’s first-half added-time header.
Tuchel may have made 11 substitutions at the break in that match, but tonight he may afford a longer run-out for players who are set to start the group opener versus Croatia on 17 June.
Bukayo Saka’s involvement will be curious given Tuchel’s admission on Tuesday that the Arsenal forward must be managed carefully while dealing with an injury that has been bothering him for months. But Saka aside, the rest of the squad appear fit and ready.
Kick-off in Orlando is at 9pm BST and you can follow every meaningful kick right here.
