Anthony Gordon strengthened claims for a World Cup starting place as England eased past Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando. The winger scored from the penalty spot and set up the opener in England’s final warm-up match, giving Thomas Tuchel more selection decisions before the Group L clash with Croatia next week.
England controlled almost every phase at Inter&Co Stadium despite an hour’s delay caused by stormy conditions. Costa Rica produced only one effort on goal, while England generated heavy pressure throughout, turning dominance into a second straight pre-tournament victory and building confidence for the trip to the World Cup.
Gordon’s display continued a major summer, after completing an 80m (69.3m) transfer to Barcelona from Newcastle United. Tuchel
has said the move should aid Gordon’s development, and the England boss is likely to feel encouraged after seeing the former Everton forward deliver a goal, an assist and persistent threat.
The winger’s contribution against Costa Rica matched Gordon’s combined goals and assists from the previous 18 England appearances. Gordon also led the team for touches inside the penalty area with six, and completed four successful dribbles. Costa Rica debutant Shawn Johnson struggled to contain the direct running, especially when Gordon attacked space down the left flank.
While Gordon pushed hard for inclusion against Croatia, Elliot Anderson again underlined importance in midfield. No player recorded more than Anderson’s 94 touches, 74 accurate passes, 10 duels won or seven ball recoveries. The Nottingham Forest midfielder maintained control and tempo, displaying the qualities that attracted a reported 106m bid, potentially rising to 120m, from Manchester City.
Tuchel could still ask for sharper finishing despite a comfortable scoreline. England produced 27 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 4.55, compared with Costa Rica’s 0.03 from a single attempt. Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers both missed clear openings, chances that might prove crucial in tighter World Cup fixtures.
England’s first goal arrived after nine minutes, once the weather delay passed. Gordon skipped beyond Johnson on the left and cut the ball back. Declan Rice’s effort took a deflection before finding the bottom-right corner. Harry Kane then went close, with goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira tipping a glancing header from a Rice free-kick around the post.
Madueke rounded Sequeira but hit the post with the net open, then Gordon appeared to win a penalty after contact from Johnson, only for VAR to overturn the decision. England finally earned a spot-kick in the 68th minute when Darril Araya handled Eberechi Eze’s goal-bound strike, and Gordon drove the penalty past substitute goalkeeper Abraham Madriz.
Rogers missed a one-on-one shortly after, shooting wide with time to pick a corner. The forward soon played a part in the third goal, however, as Madriz pushed out Rogers’ shot and Ollie Watkins reacted quickest to nod in. England’s preparation looked complete, with structure, control and several players strengthening World Cup selection arguments.
| Team | Goals | Shots | xG |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 3 | 27 | 4.55 |
| Costa Rica | 0 | 1 | 0.03 |
Preparation for a big summer: completepic.twitter.com/leitxuvZ0IEngland (@England) June 10, 2026
