Declan Rice called it a “top performance” against Costa Rica. It left Thomas Tuchel “very proud”. So are England now primed and ready to go on and win the World Cup?
This 3-0 victory over Costa Rica was a significant step up from Saturday’s win over New Zealand and looks to have breathed confidence into the England players and coaching staff. Their substantial support in Orlando were singing loud and proud in the stands, too.
The enthusiasm of the travelling England fans wasn’t dampened by the one-hour delay because of a pre-match storm. Instead, they seemed invigorated by what they saw.
A week out from England’s World Cup opener with Croatia, this was the encouraging final warm-up Tuchel and co hoped for. Eye-catching performances, intensity despite the heat and, importantly, no injuries.
There is still fine-tuning to do, including a behind-closed-doors friendly with local side Miami FC on Thursday. But England’s prospects are gathering pace, given the apparent trajectory of the side.
Is it time to believe?
Goal-scorer Rice certainly feels it is all coming together. “We’ve adapted to the heat, that’s not a problem now,” he told ITV. “We’ve been speaking all week about how me, Anthony [Gordon] and Nico [O’Reilly] were going to rotate and be fluid – you saw that in the first half. We’re building confidence and fitness going into that first game. It’s really good.”
Anthony Gordon scored England’s second goal against Costa Rica
Tuchel couldn’t have been more satisfied. “Tonight makes my mind very calm as we are absolutely going the right way and I’m very proud of the team spirit,” he told the broadcaster. “The guys who came in were influential and the guys on the bench were pushing. It’s exactly what we wanted.”
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett, watching from the press box in Orlando, described England as “slick, pacy, energetic throughout”, adding: “They pressed high and effectively, despite the heat and humidity.”
Declan Rice scores England’s first against Costa Rica
More pessimistic watchers may argue that a win over a side which failed to qualify for the World Cup is nothing to get too excited about, given the quality of Croatia to come.
They may also point out England’s energy late in the game was supplied by substitutes when the majority of starters were removed after an hour on a hot, humid day in Florida.
So as the World Cup kicks off on Thursday, what do England’s chances look like? Are the European Championship runners-up primed to finally take the step to glory? Or is this pre-tournament optimism misplaced?
Reasons to believe
Thomas Tuchel – The England boss is one of the most respected coaches at the World Cup. He has shown a ruthlessness regarding star names which was alien to his predecessors, yet at the same time has forged a united group. England will hope his tactical nous and attention to detail will make the difference.
The ‘Brotherhood’ – There aren’t the cliques of the past in this England squad. Tuchel – like Gareth Southgate before him – has prioritised the bonds between his players. That could be key with talented players vying for the same starting roles in many attacking areas.
Harry Kane – Captain fantastic is going into this World Cup off the back of the best scoring season of his career. No injuries. No talk of him dropping too deep, please. Kane is a major Ballon d’Or contender in the form of his life.
Reasons to fear
The heat & fatigue – How often have we seen England’s stars wilt in the heat of a hot summer tournament? This one could be one of the most brutal in recent times. England have empowered sports scientists to come up with a solution and talked up their acclimatisation. But England fans will be sweating on the issue. After another intense Premier League campaign, do these players have the energy to deliver their best when it matters for their country?
If not Kane, then who? – Ollie Watkins will hope his poacher’s goal against Costa Rica allays some fears about an alternative to Kane. But, let’s face it, the fitness and form of the skipper through this World Cup is likely to be decisive.
Beating the big boys – England’s track record against the best sides will limit England’s expectations for many. France at the last World Cup. Spain at the Euros. When England ran into a big name, they regularly struggled under Southgate. Their draw at this World Cup could see them needing to beat Brazil, Argentina and Spain back-to-back-to-back to win it.
What’s next?
The World Cup officially begins! Mexico vs South Africa is the tournament opener on Thursday 11 June; kick-off 8pm UK time.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia, with their opening Group L clash kicking off at 9pm in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday June 17.
