Though there was some doubt around whether the game would take place due to the adverse weather conditions, England eventually took on Costa Rica in their final warm-up match for the World Cup last night.
But who put in an ‘electric’ performance that has left Thomas Tuchel with a decision to make? And how did Noni Madueke fare in Bukayo Saka’s absence?
The Three Lions got off to an electric start in Florida when Declan Rice opened the scoring in the first ten minutes following good work from Anthony Gordon, and the Barcelona winger scored a second from the spot in the second half. Ollie Watkins added a third late on.
Tuchel’s side were not tested going the other way, but impressed going forward – despite some questionable finishing.
The team now have a week until their first match of the tournament against Croatia in Texas, with final preparations to take place in the next seven days.
Daily Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE was at the Inter&Co Stadium to rate the England players.
Anthony Gordon, left, and Declan Rice were both on the score sheet for England against Costa Rica
England (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 6
A couple of shaky kicks, but perhaps caught cold by lack of involvement. Did not have one save to make.
Reece James – 6.5
Solid enough and showed tenacity against feisty opponents, but lost four duels. Will get sharper with games.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Strolled through this, albeit against lesser opponents, but was cool and composed. Maybe he could force his way into Croatia XI.
John Stones – 7
Will benefit from another run out and almost certain to start tournament. Classy on ball and untroubled in defence.
Nico O’Reilly – 6.5
Some good – athletic and showed willingness to get forward – but also a couple of loose touches when more concentration needed. Did enough to keep jersey.
Nico O’Reilly has done enough to keep his left back spot for the start of the tournament
Declan Rice – 7.5
Noticeable how much further forward he played and it brought early goal. Wicked set-piece delivery and looked very strong.
Elliot Anderson – 8
Heavily involved and saw more of ball than anyone on pitch. Won ball repeatedly and put body on line. Can see why Man City will pay British record for him.
Noni Madueke – 7
Display will be remembered for missing open goal, but that came after brilliant skip around keeper. Also came close second half. Was bright, an able deputy for Saka.
Jude Bellingham – 7.5
Best work early on was off the ball in closing down opponents. Grew into it and wonderful ball to set Madueke free. His run led to penalty. Hard not to start him after this.
Anthony Gordon – 8.5
Electric start and created opener for Rice after burning by full back before smashing home second-half penalty. He needed this, in terms of minutes and impact. Has given Tuchel a decision to make.
Harry Kane – 6.5
Dropped deep again, but always shows quality on ball. Got three shots away without coming close to scoring. Looks sharp.
Gordon was England’s best player and Tuchel has a decision to make between the Barcelona man and Marcus Rashford
Substitutes
Eberechi Eze (on for Madueke 63) – 7
Caught the eye, especially with one sharp pass to create opening for Watkins.
Djed Spence (on for James 63) – 6.5
Needed no invitation to join attack and was dangerous when breaking beyond halfway.
Morgan Rogers (on for Kane 63) – 6
Missed big chance when in on goal but made amends with shot leading to Watkins goal.
Bukayo Saka (on for Madueke 63) – 6.5
One or two jinking runs and showed no effects of injury.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones 63) – 6.5
Stepped out of defence and showed quality on ball, even in final third.
Dean Henderson (on for Pickford 63) – 6
Like the man he replaced, was a spectator.
Dan Burn (on for Konsa 71) – 6
Unlikely to start against Croatia but continues to show himself to be smart reserve.
Marcus Rashford (on for Gordon 71) – 7
Picked up where he left off at weekend and drove at full back.
Marcus Rashford picked up where he left off against New Zealand out on the left
Jarell Quansah (on for O’Reilly 71) – 6
Slotted in at right back and used ball efficiently.
Ollie Watkins (on for Bellingham 71)– 7
Was lively and got reward when following up to head goal from Rogers’ saved shot.
Kobbie Mainoo (on for Anderson 71) – 6.5
There was space to impact and he sought to get on ball whenever possible.
Manager
Thomas Tuchel – 7
He could not have asked for much more – big displays from Gordon and Bellingham, injury avoided and confidence-boosting goals to boot. Got his set-up and selection right.
Which England star has 7 GCSEs? Who has lost half of his finger? Test your knowledge of Thomas Tuchel’s squad with our exclusive quiz HERE
