by Craig Laycock
Original article:
After a downpour of rain, it was an outpouring of attacking prowess from England that saw them beat Costa Rica and underline their credentials on the eve of the World Cup, showing why their devastating attacking and counter-pressing combinations have some (including us) tipping them to go deep into the tournament.
Particularly impressive early in the game were the contributions of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice, and England’s intensity to win the ball back in the opposition third was admirable. It was a higher-intensity performance all round from England, coming maybe at just the right time.
With the kick off delayed for around an hour due to torrential rain, it seemed more likely we’d see Noah’s Ark than Noni Madueke. But it turns out Floridian drainage is like something out of the future, and by kick off time the pitch looked flawless and puddle free. A completely unnecessary pyrotechnics display offered the icing on the pre-game cake as England’s players came out in their foil jackets, an interesting fashion choice in the heat.
***
Tuchel deployed what looked like most of a probable starting XI for the Croatia game, with Kane leading the line and Bellingham picked in the 10 over Rogers. Saka was rested as he’s nursed to full fitness, with Madueke impressing on the right, especially with his high-press once England lost the ball.
England’s intensity was impressive. Sitting back and probing for gaps, when they had an opportunity to break the lines or drive forward they did quickly. Anthony Gordon, picked ahead of Rashford, was the primary protagonist down the left hand side, and it was he who set up the first goal after running down the left and crossing for the box-bound Rice, who finished tidily.
It was a game notable too for its scrappiness at times. Costa Rica, playing a 4-1-4-1 in a low block tried to disrupt the rhythm of the game on multiple occasions, and the referee was fairly lenient on a day which probably would have seen more yellows handed out were it a competitive game.
England’s height advantage wasn’t really put to good advantage in the first 25 minutes or so, with a number of corners wasted. Harry Kane blazing over from a second ball was one of the more egregious examples, but in general England were winning set pieces regularly by stretching play wide, if not converting.
Something I didn’t expect to see in this friendly was the picnic tables set up by the corner flag, with fans munching down on food in hugely risky panicked clearance territory. Game's gone. I was half expecting to see a burger explode in slow motion, but miraculously all of the pitchside munchers survived unscathed.
Game's gone.
Madueke found himself one on one in the 35th minute and after rounding the keeper somehow hit the right upright, his frustration evident.
Bellingham showed some moments of tempestuousness after some meaty challenges from Costa Rica on England’s players. Tuchel will have to keep an eye on that during the tournament to avoid unnecessary yellows as the opposition look to wind the number 10 up.
Once the first half settled into a pattern of England being ahead, they didn’t look as likely to score - but Costa Rica offered very little in return, barely escaping their own half. It was a story of patience as England sought the 2nd, but they weren’t looking to force it.
The physical pattern of play continued and at times it saw some uncomfortable bums on seats in the England dugout.
The physicality ended up leading to a clumsy challenge on Gordon at the end of the first half. A wonderful ball curved from Kane through the middle saw the onrushing Gordon taken out by a Costa Rica defender. But the referee took a look at the VAR screen and overturned her original decision to award what would have been a soft penalty.
Madueke continued to cause problems for Costa Rica early in the second half, making a couple of runs and one shot that curled just wide of the post.
With no sign of a potential £120m club move rattling him, Anderson was always on hand to link up the play on the right. He and Rice paired well again in central midfield and look increasingly comfortable as we approach the tournament.
Eze, Saka, Henderson, Rogers, Spence and Guehi all came on around the 60th minute - with Kane taken off, leaving England with an intriguing strikerless formation for a while, with Belligham playing as a false 9. It was a good look at what Bellingham and Rogers might offer playing alongside each other.
England had 7 or 8 players in the Costa Rica box in phases. Bellingham drove into the box around the 66th minute, cutting in from the left and pulling it back for Eze, who struck wide. But VAR spotted a potential handball and gave it as a penalty for England. Gordon struck a belter of a penalty to make it 2-0.
Ultimately, Watkins and Rashford came on, with Bellingham withdrawn, and 11 changes in total, so plenty of minutes for plenty of players. A brilliant ball from Eze to the onside Rogers looked like a great opportunity for Rogers to stake a claim, but the normally on-fire number 17 shot wide when one on one.
England had other chances, and scored a third through poacher supreme Ollie Watkins after the Costa Rica keeper parried a cross right in front of him. There’s an art to being in the right place at the right time, and that was the cherry on the top of a good game for England. A deserved 3-0 which triggered “football’s coming home” to ring out in Florida.
***
What can we take away from it then? Well, it was a good workout and when England needed to apply intensity they managed it. It was a lift in energy levels, which is what you need right before the tournament. At other times they managed the game state well and didn’t really let Costa Rica into the game, despite their efforts to disrupt.
The back line won’t be able to take much away from it, having been completely untested. The ball rarely ventured out of the Costa Rica half.
But it was solid. Professional. An entertaining start. Decent energy. Fitness managed. Another box ticked for Thomas Tuchel in decent fashion. Onwards to the World Cup v Croatia.
13 min read
After a downpour of rain, it was an outpouring of attacking prowess from England that saw them beat Costa Rica and underline their credentials on the eve of the World Cup, showing why their devastating attacking and counter-pressing combinations have some (including us) tipping them to go deep into the tournament.
Particularly impressive early in the game were the contributions of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice, and England’s intensity to win the ball back in the opposition third was admirable. It was a higher-intensity performance all round from England, coming maybe at just the right time.
With the kick off delayed for around an hour due to torrential rain, it seemed more likely we’d see Noah’s Ark than Noni Madueke. But it turns out Floridian drainage is like something out of the future, and by kick off time the pitch looked flawless and puddle free. A completely unnecessary pyrotechnics display offered the icing on the pre-game cake as England’s players came out in their foil jackets, an interesting fashion choice in the heat.
***
Tuchel deployed what looked like most of a probable starting XI for the Croatia game, with Kane leading the line and Bellingham picked in the 10 over Rogers. Saka was rested as he’s nursed to full fitness, with Madueke impressing on the right, especially with his high-press once England lost the ball.
England’s intensity was impressive. Sitting back and probing for gaps, when they had an opportunity to break the lines or drive forward they did quickly. Anthony Gordon, picked ahead of Rashford, was the primary protagonist down the left hand side, and it was he who set up the first goal after running down the left and crossing for the box-bound Rice, who finished tidily.
It was a game notable too for its scrappiness at times. Costa Rica, playing a 4-1-4-1 in a low block tried to disrupt the rhythm of the game on multiple occasions, and the referee was fairly lenient on a day which probably would have seen more yellows handed out were it a competitive game.
England’s height advantage wasn’t really put to good advantage in the first 25 minutes or so, with a number of corners wasted. Harry Kane blazing over from a second ball was one of the more egregious examples, but in general England were winning set pieces regularly by stretching play wide, if not converting.
Something I didn’t expect to see in this friendly was the picnic tables set up by the corner flag, with fans munching down on food in hugely risky panicked clearance territory. Game's gone. I was half expecting to see a burger explode in slow motion, but miraculously all of the pitchside munchers survived unscathed.
Game's gone.
Madueke found himself one on one in the 35th minute and after rounding the keeper somehow hit the right upright, his frustration evident.
Bellingham showed some moments of tempestuousness after some meaty challenges from Costa Rica on England’s players. Tuchel will have to keep an eye on that during the tournament to avoid unnecessary yellows as the opposition look to wind the number 10 up.
Once the first half settled into a pattern of England being ahead, they didn’t look as likely to score - but Costa Rica offered very little in return, barely escaping their own half. It was a story of patience as England sought the 2nd, but they weren’t looking to force it.
The physical pattern of play continued and at times it saw some uncomfortable bums on seats in the England dugout.
The physicality ended up leading to a clumsy challenge on Gordon at the end of the first half. A wonderful ball curved from Kane through the middle saw the onrushing Gordon taken out by a Costa Rica defender. But the referee took a look at the VAR screen and overturned her original decision to award what would have been a soft penalty.
Madueke continued to cause problems for Costa Rica early in the second half, making a couple of runs and one shot that curled just wide of the post.
With no sign of a potential £120m club move rattling him, Anderson was always on hand to link up the play on the right. He and Rice paired well again in central midfield and look increasingly comfortable as we approach the tournament.
Eze, Saka, Henderson, Rogers, Spence and Guehi all came on around the 60th minute - with Kane taken off, leaving England with an intriguing strikerless formation for a while, with Belligham playing as a false 9. It was a good look at what Bellingham and Rogers might offer playing alongside each other.
England had 7 or 8 players in the Costa Rica box in phases. Bellingham drove into the box around the 66th minute, cutting in from the left and pulling it back for Eze, who struck wide. But VAR spotted a potential handball and gave it as a penalty for England. Gordon struck a belter of a penalty to make it 2-0.
Ultimately, Watkins and Rashford came on, with Bellingham withdrawn, and 11 changes in total, so plenty of minutes for plenty of players. A brilliant ball from Eze to the onside Rogers looked like a great opportunity for Rogers to stake a claim, but the normally on-fire number 17 shot wide when one on one.
England had other chances, and scored a third through poacher supreme Ollie Watkins after the Costa Rica keeper parried a cross right in front of him. There’s an art to being in the right place at the right time, and that was the cherry on the top of a good game for England. A deserved 3-0 which triggered “football’s coming home” to ring out in Florida.
***
What can we take away from it then? Well, it was a good workout and when England needed to apply intensity they managed it. It was a lift in energy levels, which is what you need right before the tournament. At other times they managed the game state well and didn’t really let Costa Rica into the game, despite their efforts to disrupt.
The back line won’t be able to take much away from it, having been completely untested. The ball rarely ventured out of the Costa Rica half.
But it was solid. Professional. An entertaining start. Decent energy. Fitness managed. Another box ticked for Thomas Tuchel in decent fashion. Onwards to the World Cup v Croatia.
England impress in final 3-0 warm-up win
Declan Nice.
Original article:
Last updated:
After a downpour of rain, it was an outpouring of attacking prowess from England that saw them beat Costa Rica and underline their credentials on the eve of the World Cup, showing why their devastating attacking and counter-pressing combinations have some (including us) tipping them to go deep into the tournament.
Particularly impressive early in the game were the contributions of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice, and England’s intensity to win the ball back in the opposition third was admirable. It was a higher-intensity performance all round from England, coming maybe at just the right time.
With the kick off delayed for around an hour due to torrential rain, it seemed more likely we’d see Noah’s Ark than Noni Madueke. But it turns out Floridian drainage is like something out of the future, and by kick off time the pitch looked flawless and puddle free. A completely unnecessary pyrotechnics display offered the icing on the pre-game cake as England’s players came out in their foil jackets, an interesting fashion choice in the heat.
***
Tuchel deployed what looked like most of a probable starting XI for the Croatia game, with Kane leading the line and Bellingham picked in the 10 over Rogers. Saka was rested as he’s nursed to full fitness, with Madueke impressing on the right, especially with his high-press once England lost the ball.
England’s intensity was impressive. Sitting back and probing for gaps, when they had an opportunity to break the lines or drive forward they did quickly. Anthony Gordon, picked ahead of Rashford, was the primary protagonist down the left hand side, and it was he who set up the first goal after running down the left and crossing for the box-bound Rice, who finished tidily.
It was a game notable too for its scrappiness at times. Costa Rica, playing a 4-1-4-1 in a low block tried to disrupt the rhythm of the game on multiple occasions, and the referee was fairly lenient on a day which probably would have seen more yellows handed out were it a competitive game.
England’s height advantage wasn’t really put to good advantage in the first 25 minutes or so, with a number of corners wasted. Harry Kane blazing over from a second ball was one of the more egregious examples, but in general England were winning set pieces regularly by stretching play wide, if not converting.
Something I didn’t expect to see in this friendly was the picnic tables set up by the corner flag, with fans munching down on food in hugely risky panicked clearance territory. Game's gone. I was half expecting to see a burger explode in slow motion, but miraculously all of the pitchside munchers survived unscathed.
Game's gone.
Madueke found himself one on one in the 35th minute and after rounding the keeper somehow hit the right upright, his frustration evident.
Bellingham showed some moments of tempestuousness after some meaty challenges from Costa Rica on England’s players. Tuchel will have to keep an eye on that during the tournament to avoid unnecessary yellows as the opposition look to wind the number 10 up.
Once the first half settled into a pattern of England being ahead, they didn’t look as likely to score - but Costa Rica offered very little in return, barely escaping their own half. It was a story of patience as England sought the 2nd, but they weren’t looking to force it.
The physical pattern of play continued and at times it saw some uncomfortable bums on seats in the England dugout.
The physicality ended up leading to a clumsy challenge on Gordon at the end of the first half. A wonderful ball curved from Kane through the middle saw the onrushing Gordon taken out by a Costa Rica defender. But the referee took a look at the VAR screen and overturned her original decision to award what would have been a soft penalty.
Madueke continued to cause problems for Costa Rica early in the second half, making a couple of runs and one shot that curled just wide of the post.
With no sign of a potential £120m club move rattling him, Anderson was always on hand to link up the play on the right. He and Rice paired well again in central midfield and look increasingly comfortable as we approach the tournament.
Eze, Saka, Henderson, Rogers, Spence and Guehi all came on around the 60th minute - with Kane taken off, leaving England with an intriguing strikerless formation for a while, with Belligham playing as a false 9. It was a good look at what Bellingham and Rogers might offer playing alongside each other.
England had 7 or 8 players in the Costa Rica box in phases. Bellingham drove into the box around the 66th minute, cutting in from the left and pulling it back for Eze, who struck wide. But VAR spotted a potential handball and gave it as a penalty for England. Gordon struck a belter of a penalty to make it 2-0.
Ultimately, Watkins and Rashford came on, with Bellingham withdrawn, and 11 changes in total, so plenty of minutes for plenty of players. A brilliant ball from Eze to the onside Rogers looked like a great opportunity for Rogers to stake a claim, but the normally on-fire number 17 shot wide when one on one.
England had other chances, and scored a third through poacher supreme Ollie Watkins after the Costa Rica keeper parried a cross right in front of him. There’s an art to being in the right place at the right time, and that was the cherry on the top of a good game for England. A deserved 3-0 which triggered “football’s coming home” to ring out in Florida.
***
What can we take away from it then? Well, it was a good workout and when England needed to apply intensity they managed it. It was a lift in energy levels, which is what you need right before the tournament. At other times they managed the game state well and didn’t really let Costa Rica into the game, despite their efforts to disrupt.
The back line won’t be able to take much away from it, having been completely untested. The ball rarely ventured out of the Costa Rica half.
But it was solid. Professional. An entertaining start. Decent energy. Fitness managed. Another box ticked for Thomas Tuchel in decent fashion. Onwards to the World Cup v Croatia.
13 min read
England impress in final 3-0 warm-up win
Declan Nice.
After a downpour of rain, it was an outpouring of attacking prowess from England that saw them beat Costa Rica and underline their credentials on the eve of the World Cup, showing why their devastating attacking and counter-pressing combinations have some (including us) tipping them to go deep into the tournament.
Particularly impressive early in the game were the contributions of Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice, and England’s intensity to win the ball back in the opposition third was admirable. It was a higher-intensity performance all round from England, coming maybe at just the right time.
With the kick off delayed for around an hour due to torrential rain, it seemed more likely we’d see Noah’s Ark than Noni Madueke. But it turns out Floridian drainage is like something out of the future, and by kick off time the pitch looked flawless and puddle free. A completely unnecessary pyrotechnics display offered the icing on the pre-game cake as England’s players came out in their foil jackets, an interesting fashion choice in the heat.
***
Tuchel deployed what looked like most of a probable starting XI for the Croatia game, with Kane leading the line and Bellingham picked in the 10 over Rogers. Saka was rested as he’s nursed to full fitness, with Madueke impressing on the right, especially with his high-press once England lost the ball.
England’s intensity was impressive. Sitting back and probing for gaps, when they had an opportunity to break the lines or drive forward they did quickly. Anthony Gordon, picked ahead of Rashford, was the primary protagonist down the left hand side, and it was he who set up the first goal after running down the left and crossing for the box-bound Rice, who finished tidily.
It was a game notable too for its scrappiness at times. Costa Rica, playing a 4-1-4-1 in a low block tried to disrupt the rhythm of the game on multiple occasions, and the referee was fairly lenient on a day which probably would have seen more yellows handed out were it a competitive game.
England’s height advantage wasn’t really put to good advantage in the first 25 minutes or so, with a number of corners wasted. Harry Kane blazing over from a second ball was one of the more egregious examples, but in general England were winning set pieces regularly by stretching play wide, if not converting.
Something I didn’t expect to see in this friendly was the picnic tables set up by the corner flag, with fans munching down on food in hugely risky panicked clearance territory. Game's gone. I was half expecting to see a burger explode in slow motion, but miraculously all of the pitchside munchers survived unscathed.
Game's gone.
Madueke found himself one on one in the 35th minute and after rounding the keeper somehow hit the right upright, his frustration evident.
Bellingham showed some moments of tempestuousness after some meaty challenges from Costa Rica on England’s players. Tuchel will have to keep an eye on that during the tournament to avoid unnecessary yellows as the opposition look to wind the number 10 up.
Once the first half settled into a pattern of England being ahead, they didn’t look as likely to score - but Costa Rica offered very little in return, barely escaping their own half. It was a story of patience as England sought the 2nd, but they weren’t looking to force it.
The physical pattern of play continued and at times it saw some uncomfortable bums on seats in the England dugout.
The physicality ended up leading to a clumsy challenge on Gordon at the end of the first half. A wonderful ball curved from Kane through the middle saw the onrushing Gordon taken out by a Costa Rica defender. But the referee took a look at the VAR screen and overturned her original decision to award what would have been a soft penalty.
Madueke continued to cause problems for Costa Rica early in the second half, making a couple of runs and one shot that curled just wide of the post.
With no sign of a potential £120m club move rattling him, Anderson was always on hand to link up the play on the right. He and Rice paired well again in central midfield and look increasingly comfortable as we approach the tournament.
Eze, Saka, Henderson, Rogers, Spence and Guehi all came on around the 60th minute - with Kane taken off, leaving England with an intriguing strikerless formation for a while, with Belligham playing as a false 9. It was a good look at what Bellingham and Rogers might offer playing alongside each other.
England had 7 or 8 players in the Costa Rica box in phases. Bellingham drove into the box around the 66th minute, cutting in from the left and pulling it back for Eze, who struck wide. But VAR spotted a potential handball and gave it as a penalty for England. Gordon struck a belter of a penalty to make it 2-0.
Ultimately, Watkins and Rashford came on, with Bellingham withdrawn, and 11 changes in total, so plenty of minutes for plenty of players. A brilliant ball from Eze to the onside Rogers looked like a great opportunity for Rogers to stake a claim, but the normally on-fire number 17 shot wide when one on one.
England had other chances, and scored a third through poacher supreme Ollie Watkins after the Costa Rica keeper parried a cross right in front of him. There’s an art to being in the right place at the right time, and that was the cherry on the top of a good game for England. A deserved 3-0 which triggered “football’s coming home” to ring out in Florida.
***
What can we take away from it then? Well, it was a good workout and when England needed to apply intensity they managed it. It was a lift in energy levels, which is what you need right before the tournament. At other times they managed the game state well and didn’t really let Costa Rica into the game, despite their efforts to disrupt.
The back line won’t be able to take much away from it, having been completely untested. The ball rarely ventured out of the Costa Rica half.
But it was solid. Professional. An entertaining start. Decent energy. Fitness managed. Another box ticked for Thomas Tuchel in decent fashion. Onwards to the World Cup v Croatia.
13 min read