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As it happenedended

England vs Costa Rica World Cup 2018 warm up as it happened

England 2-0 Costa Rica: Follow all the action in the Three Lions' final warm-up game at Elland Road

Molly Hudson
Thursday 07 June 2018 10:09 EDT
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England v Costa Rica preview

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Gareth Southgate will get a final opportunity to see his England stars in action against Costa Rica before they travel to Russia for the start of the World Cup 2018.

The Three Lions boss is expected to shuffle the pack after watching his side beat Nigeria 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday, with Jack Butland to be given a chance to prove himself as Jordan Pickford’s understudy for the tournament.

Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will both start after arriving late to the training camp following the Champions League final, while there could also be opportunities for Jamie Vardy, Harry Maguire and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Danny Rose could also get a start in place of Ashley Young following his revelations about his depression this week.

Follow all the action live below…

Please allow a moment for the blog to load…

What time is it on?

The game kicks off at 8.00pm BST at Elland Road.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown live on ITV, with the live coverage starting at 7.30pm.

Odds?

England: 9/20

Costa Rica: 10/1

Draw: 11/2

GOAL! England 2-0 Costa Rica (Welbeck 76')

Dele produces a teasing ball into the far post area, and Danny Welbeck is there with a flying header to double England's advantage. 

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:35

That goal comes, just as I was about to highlight the lack of flow to the game after the plethora of substitutions.

Albeit a goal that will settle any nerves, it's likely Gareth Southgate will learn more from the first half performance of his side, to take into the World Cup.

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:37

SUB 79 mins: Jesse Lingard replaces the impressive Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who will have done no harm to his hopes of featuring in Russia.

Meanwhile, England win a corner as the home side have adapted better to their change in personnel.

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:39

83 mins: Danny Welbeck always seems to perform in an England shirt, whilst some questioned his inclusion in Gareth Southgate's 23-man squad, he approaches the tournament with 16 senior international goals to his name, with captain Harry Kane close behind on 13.

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:44

87 mins: Matarrita stings the gloves of Pope with a fierce strike from a tight angle. The first save of any real meaning from the Burnley shot-stopper.

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:47

Attendance at Elland Road is 36,104. An impressive atmosphere this evening, but would you like to see more games on the road or do you prefer the traditional Wembley location?

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:50

ADDED TIME: Three additional minutes to play as England stroll to victory

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:51

FULL TIME: England 2-0 Costa Rica (Rashford 13', Welbeck 76')

England convincingly defeat Costa Rica 2-0 thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck.

With just 11 days to go until their opener against Tunisia, England rarely needed to move out of first gear against Costa Rica, who on the basis of this, will struggle in Russia.

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 21:55

Gareth Southgate will undoubtedly be happy with his side’s performance, but has a couple of selection headaches with the World Cup approaching rapidly.Reaction coming up soon...

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 22:07

REACTION: Gareth Southgate

Speaking to ITV, Southgate was keen to praise the impact of opening goalscorer Marcus Rashford.

"What pleased me the most is that Marcus Rashford enjoyed his football tonight. He played with real swagger. He's a Manchester United player and he got booed at the start and got cheered off at the end.

"I thought today his link up play was good, it was a wonderful strike for the goal and he worked incredibly hard for the team. He had a difficult end to the season having to play on his own as a number nine at time. he is still filling out we sometimes forget how old he is (20). 

"We have got great competition for places throughout the team, you saw that tonight."

Molly Hudson7 June 2018 22:24

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