ENGLAND totally dominated Costa Rica in their final tune-up for the World Cup.
But Thomas Tuchel could still make up to FOUR changes for the opener against Croatia next Thursday night.
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Declan Rice scored England’s opener, assisted by Anthony Gordon Credit: Getty
And Gordon was the star of the show as he later netted from the spot Credit: PA
The Three Lions had much more spark about them in this weather-delayed Orlando clash than last Friday night’s slugging win over New Zealand.
They scored early through Declan Rice’s deflected ninth-minute strike after smart build-up from Anthony Gordon.
The new Barcelona winger then scored himself from the spot after the break.
Before Ollie Watkins made it three at the death.
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But Tuchel will know his side need to be far sharper in the final third if they are to go the distance this summer.
Here’s how JattvibeSport’s Steve Brenner rated England’s stars in Florida…
Jordan Pickford – 7
Poor kick almost gifted Costa Rica leveller on 30 minutes but other than that, Everton stopper looked his normal, assured self.
Didn’t have a save to make in the first-half but someone the Three Lions can depend on.
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Ollie Watkins tapped in England’s third at the death Credit: PA
Reece James – 7
Six different players have been tried at right-back in the last seven games but the Chelsea man looks to have a World Cup spot in the bag.
Provides some much needed creativity when pushed into midfield.
John Stones – 7
Tuchel is desperate for the classy stopper to be fit and although he will face much sterner tests than this, Stones looked solid.
Quality on the ball and got through his without any injury concerns.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Solid stuff from the Aston Villa man. If Stones is fit, faces a battle with Marc Guehi for a starting slot.
Tuchel knows he can depend on Konsa though, who is excellent on the ball and physical when needed.
Nico O’Reilly – 7
Started at left-back but looks comfortable in most positions with athleticism and footballing brain helping him stand out.
Versatility gives boss Thomas Tuchel plenty of options at this World Cup.
Elliot Anderson – 9
The master of mopping up and keeping it simple.
Sits deep and is able to dictate play with his crisp passing and always on hand to give England an easy option in the middle of park.
Declan Rice – 8
Seventh goal for England set the Three Lions on their way, and his delivery from free-kicks also a plus.
Produced a lovely ball for Kane in the 22nd minute and teamed up well with midfield partner Anderson to give England a solid midfield combo.
Elliot Anderson shone in England’s midfield Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Noni Madueke – 6
Starting slot under question and didn’t enhance claims here.
Hit post after 36 minutes when he should have scored and was only involved sporadically. Will fear he missed opportunity to cement place for opener.
Jude Bellingham – 8
Impressive performance from the Real Madrid man. Looked hungry and hunted down everything.
Early effort deflected wide and at times, the England no10 became a focal point for attack, dovetailing nicely with Harry Kane.
Anthony Gordon – 9
Good display from the new Barcelona winger.
Good run down left and cross for Declan Rice opener and was fouled for penalty which was ultimately scrubbed out by VAR.
Missing the end of Premier League season could be huge boost for England.
Harry Kane – 6
Lead the line well but cut a frustrated figure at times. Angered about an early penalty shout which wasn’t given and had a 22nd minute header saved.
Dropped so deep that at one point, was in his own penalty area.
SUBS
Henderson (for Pickford 61) – 6
Crystal Palace keeper barely tested as Costa Rica continued to fire blanks.
Eze (for Rice 61) – 7
Gives Tuchel some creativity in the middle and will be a great option off the bench.
Rogers (for Madueke 61) – 6
Missed golden chance to score on 75 minutes which would have enhanced chances of starting against Croatia next week.
Spence (for James 61) – 6
Slotted in at left-back and again proved he has plenty to offer for England following a decent display against New Zealand last weekend.
Guehi (for Stones 61) – 6
Surely set to start in the first game and got some much needed minutes in his legs after coming on.
Saka (for Kane 61) – 6
England are being cautious with the Arsenal star who has been struggling with an Achilles problem but came through his run-out here.
Watkins (for Bellingham 69) – 7
Starved of opportunities but still bagged from close range on 87 minutes. Gives Tuchel a fresh option if attack needs to be switched up.
Burn (for Konsa 69) – 6
Caused problems for Costa Rica when going up for corners and looked solid at the back when called upon.
Mainoo (for Anderson 69) – 6
Defensively sound and typically tidy in possession when called upon.
Rashford (for Gordon 69) – 6
Struggled to make a mark on game and will probably have to settle for a place on bench when the real action starts.
Quansah (O’Reilly 69) – 6
Solid at right-back and wasn’t tested by a Costa Rica side who had no answers to the impressive England display.
