Thomas Tuchel saw England wrap up their World Cup preparations by putting three past Costa Rica in their final warm-up 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 they were much snappier here with Declan Rice firing them into an early lead. Anthony Gordon doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the second half, after captain Harry Kane had been substituted, while Ollie Watkins’s late header from close range added some gloss to a resounding win.
Bukayo Saka also appeared off the bench after Tuchel’s admission on Tuesday that the Arsenal forward must be managed carefully, due to an injury that has been bothering him for months. Saka came on to replace Noni Madueke, who earlier hit the post.
Re-live every meaningful kick below.
Read MoreHow Anthony Gordon’s late dash answered England’s toughest question for World Cup 2026 opener
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpian ramble is shambolic start to World Cup
England vs Costa Rica
- FULL TIME: England 3-0 Costa Rica
- 87' GOAL! Watkins' close-range header adds gloss
- 68' GOAL! Gordon slams home penalty to double England’s lead
- 36' POST! Noni Madueke put through one-on-one, hits post with open goal
- 9' GOAL! Declan Rice’s deflected shot puts Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead
- KICK OFF: England play Costa Rica in 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 in Orlando
Fantasy tips
02:30 , Alan SmithA 48-team tournament means the World Cup’s fantasy football game is bigger than ever, with over 1,200 players available for selection before the group phase.
Does that mean almost everyone will still have at least two of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in their line-ups? Yes, yes it does - but it will take more than that to build a winning 15-man squad.
Here is your guide to some of the hidden gems that could give you an edge ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
World Cup groups in full
02:00 , Alan SmithThe time has finally arrived - for those of us in the UK, World Cup opening day is here
Here is a reminder of your runners and riders
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
- Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
What next for England?
01:30 , Alan SmithTuchel, on ITV, confirms England will have a behind closed doors friendly against Miami FC on Thursday to work on set pieces and give minutes to players who haven’t had much action tonight.
“We do a match tomorrow for minutes into legs of those who didn't play so much today.”
What happens after that? “Players get one and a half days off to switch off physically mentally. Then we go to Kansas and prepare for Croatia. Today is exactly what we wished for, what we wanted. I'm very proud. Next stop Kansas.”
Gordon soaks up pressure
01:00 , Alan SmithOn handling expectation and pressure to perform, the new Barcelona winger told ITV: "Always pressure when you play for England. If you can't deal with that... I'm playing with amazing players who make me look much better.
On his penalty, with Kane already substituted: "I was buzzing H was off. When I knew he was off I wanted to take it. I love penalties, the pressure of them. Glad to see that one go in."
Tuchel on his best XI
00:45 , Alan Smith“Tonight makes my mind very calm because we're absolutely [progressing in] the right way. Very proud today of the team spirit and behaviour. Exactly what we wanted.
“We just saw very good substitutes who were disappointed not to start and played with same intensity and quality against a more tired opponent. Well done everyone.”
Gordon's late dash answers toughest question
00:35 , Richard JollyWhen Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona, the surprisingly good Spanish he spoke at his unveiling was, he said, a product of his dream to play for them. There are times when it seems his rise has been underpinned by ambition. Gordon may be a great self-improver, the scrawny kid who can hassles and harry defenders. But he has also coveted some of the trappings of stardom: the No 10 shirt, the penalties, the move to the glamour clubs.
And so it was that when Eberechi Eze’s shot was handled that Gordon stepped forward in the Three Lions’ final preparation before the World Cup 2026 starts. He would not have done had Harry Kane still been on the field, but the England captain had departed a few minutes earlier. But Gordon can capitalise on the departure of penalty takers.
How Anthony Gordon answered England’s toughest question for World Cup opener
Tuchel 'proud' of performance
00:26 , Alan SmithSpeaking to ITV, the England manager says: “Everyone did well. Not about one individual player. A very good team performance. We wanted to push to next level and we got it. We worked hard, the counterpressing good, togetherness - everything a very, very high level.”
Rice: We performed 'really well'
00:14 , Alan SmithDeclan Rice, speaking to ITV, says of England’s performance: "Really well. The manager was on at us to ramp it up with the ball, intensity and pressing. It was an outstanding second half performance. Really good performance before it starts.
On the conditions: "We've adapted. The heat's not a problem now. We were fluid, you saw it in the first half and you can see as a group we're buidling confidence, fitness.”
FULL-TIME! England 3-0 Costa Rica
00:04 , Alan SmithPresuming everyone has come through unscathed, that is a fine evening of work for England. Costa Rica were poor but this is a step in the right direction for Thomas Tuchel’s team.
England 3-0 Costa Rica
00:01 , Alan Smith90+3’ - Eze has two more shots from range that are blocked before Mainoo has a pop that squirms through to the keeper.
England 3-0 Costa Rica
23:59 , Alan Smith90+2’ - Another corner. Saka takes it short, Rashford then turns and dribbles in. It’s worked to Eze and his shot is deflected for another corner.
England 3-0 Costa Rica
23:58 , Alan Smith90’ - Saka comes close with a low shot across the face of goal after some really good build-up involving Spence and Watkins. There will be six minutes added on.
3-0 as Watkins nods home from close range
23:58 , Alex Pattle
England 3-0 Costa Rica
23:57 , Alan Smith89’ - This match is done as the result goes but we will have several minutes of added time owing to the breaks.
GOAL! England 3-0 Costa Rica (Watkins, 87')
23:55 , Alan SmithAnd there’s the third. The Villa striker nods in from close range after Rogers’ long-range effort is parried unconvcingly by Costa Rica’s replacement keeper.
England 2-0 Costa Rica
23:54 , Alan Smith87’ - Rogers or Bellingham to start next Wednesday? That seems to be Tuchel’s biggest decision right now. Both have shown glimpses this evening and the closer the opener gets the harder it is to predict what the manager will decide.
England 2-0 Costa Rica
23:53 , Alan Smith85’ - Guehi skips forward, finds Rogers who then tries to pick out Watkins with a low cross only for Mitchell to intercept. England remain keen on a third.
England 2-0 Costa Rica
23:50 , Alan Smith82’ - Mora, Ugalde and Araya have come off. Sinclair, Rodriguez, Ruiz have entered for Costa Rica.
England 2-0 Costa Rica
23:49 , Alan Smith81’ - Costa Rica look spent and some of England’s subs are desperate to impress. Eze has looked quite zippy since coming on.
England 2-0 Costa Rica
23:44 , Alan Smith76’ - So close from Rogers. The Villa man receives a through ball from (I think) Eze and looks set to finish but instead strokes his shot into the side-netting. Tuchel, according to commentators inside the stadium, shakes his head in disappointment.
Changes galore
23:43 , Richard JollyA raft of changes and most of those going off can be sure of starting against Croatia. Some have had a huge workload this season, like Kane and Rice. Others, like Stones and James, have had injuries in the past.
A goal and an assist for Anthony Gordon!
23:43 , Alex Pattle
England 2-0 Costa Rica
23:39 , Alan Smith71’ - More England subs. Watkins, Mainoo, Burn, Rashford and Quansah are on. Konsa, O’Reilly, Anderson, Bellingham and Gordon have come off. Saka will wear the armband now.
England 2-0 Costa Rica
23:38 , Alan Smith69’ - Now, after a series of lengthy breaks, we will have the drinks break. Having the breaks in such heat is totally acceptable but can there not be discretion to ensure they take place during breaks for seven substitutions a couple of moments earlier instead?
GOAL! England 2-0 Costa Rica (Gordon, pen, 68')
23:36 , Alan SmithEngland’s subs get straight down the work as Eze shoots from the edge of the box. It comes off the elbow of a Costa Rica defender - we need to see a replay to confirm which one. From the spot Gordon steps up in the Kane’s absence and dispatches brilliantly into the corner.
GOAL! England 2-0 Costa Rica (Gordon, pen, 68')
23:35 , Alan SmithEngland’s subs get straight down the work as Eze shoots from the edge of the box. It comes off the elbow of a Costa Rica defender - we need to see a replay to confirm which one. From the spot Gordon steps up in the Kane’s absence and dispatches brilliantly into the corner.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:31 , Alan Smith62’ - Now the keeper change happens, Sequeira being replaced by Madriz.
Then there are SIX England changes. Pickford, Rice, Madueke, James, Stones, Kane are all off. Henderson, Eze, Spence, Saka, Guehi, Rogers are all on. And that means England will play with Bellingham up top for now as a false nine.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:28 , Alan Smith61’ - No, after lengthy treatment the keeper wants to continue. England’s substitutes are about to be flung on.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:26 , Alan Smith59’ - Sequeira, the Costa Rica keeper, is down injured but this looks genuine. He appears to have hurt a hamstring kicking the ball out and they are looking to make a change.
It has been feisty
23:25 , Alan Smith
England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:23 , Alan Smith55’ - Salazar becomes the latest Costa Rican booked, for a foul on Konsa.
Soto is off, Nunez is on for them. Expect several England changes around the 65 or 70 minute marks.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:22 , Alan Smith54’ - Madueke puts in a long cross from the right that causes no trouble.
England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:20 , Alan Smith52’ - Gordon wins a corner. Rice takes it deep to Konsa. He knocks it down but O’Reilly is unable to finish. The only criticism you could make of England so far in this one is a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal since Rice’s opener. This could easily be three or four by now.
The dramatic moments late in the first half
23:17 , Alex PattleMadueke’s miss and Gordon’s overturned penalty:
England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:16 , Alan Smith48’ - Madueke, aiming to atone for that comical miss in the first half, comes within a whisker of making it 2-0 after neat link up play with Kane.
Restarted! England 1-0 Costa Rica
23:15 , Alan Smith46’ - We’re underway again.
One change for Costa Rica as Quiros comes on for Johnson, who was booked and struggling against Gordon.
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.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
