England sharpen for Costa Rica as Ngumoha departs camp

Final warm-up: Costa Rica awaits Wednesday

England play their last World Cup tune-up against Costa Rica on Wednesday night in Orlando (3). This is Tuchel's final chance to settle on his starting XI before the group stage begins. After the New Zealand test, a few positions still look open – particularly on the wings, where Gordon and Rashford are locked in a direct battle for one spot.

England grind past New Zealand 1–0

Harry Kane scored the winner as England laboured to a 1–0 victory over New Zealand in their previous friendly (4). It was a hard-fought match, not a showcase. The performance raised questions about rhythm in the final third, but the result keeps momentum steady heading toward the Costa Rica clash.

Ngumoha leaves camp, Liverpool pre-season next

Youngster Rio Ngumoha is departing the England World Cup camp but has clearly made an impression on Tuchel's staff during his time with the squad (1). The Liverpool winger will now rejoin his club for their pre-season tour. His senior involvement, however brief, signals how highly he is rated.

England rated third favourites – fair or fantasy?

Analysts have England as the third favourites for the World Cup (2). Fans will have mixed feelings – the talent is undeniable, but the recent warm-up displays have not exactly screamed favourites. Tuchel's 'round pegs in round holes' philosophy is designed to change that narrative when it counts.

Fan-reaktioner

England supporters online are split heading into Wednesday. Some see a squad clicking just in time under Tuchel's pragmatic setup, while others worry the New Zealand performance exposed a lack of cohesion in attack. There is broad agreement on one thing: the Costa Rica match will tell us far more about what this team really is. Read more