Costa Rica were one of the biggest disappointments in the WC 2026 American qualifiers and failed to find stability under new national coach Fernando Batista. England are backed to win here without conceding.
Key Stats
- England have won to nil in 7 of their last 9 matches.
- England have kept a clean sheet in their last 2 matches against Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica have lost their last 2 matches.
Costa Rica Yet to Score Against England
This is going to be the third time England and Costa Rica lock horns.
The Last Test Match for England
The Three Lions had an impeccable run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, finishing top of Group K ahead of Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra with eight wins in eight matches while conceding zero goals.
Thomas Tuchel’ side failed to impress in their March friendlies. After a 1-1 draw against Uruguay where they conceded in stoppage time, England were beaten by Japan 1-0 at Wembley.
They returned to winning ways last week by defeating New Zealand 1-0 on a neutral court in Tampa. Harry Kane was the sole scorer just before the break on Djed Spence’s assist. England had full control here with 1.49-0.12 expected goals, 72% possession and 23-3 shots.
Costa Rica Failed to Qualify For the WC 2026
Costa Rica had a disappointing World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, winning just one out of six games in Group C and finished behind Haiti and Honduras.
They appointed Fernando Batista as the new national coach in late February but results didn’t improve in their March friendlies, recording a 2-2 draw against Jordan and a 5-0 defeat to Iran.
Last week, Costa Rica locked horns against Colombia in a friendly match and recorded another defeat 3-1, Andrey Soto scoring a consolation goal.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
England (4-2-3-1) Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane
Arsenal's Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were rested against New Zealand, but are expected to start here, as well as Jude Bellingham.
Costa Rica (4-2-3-1) Patrick Sequeira; Haxzel Quiros, Jeyland Mitchell, Fernan Faerron, Darril Araya; Aaron Salazar, Luis Flores; Carlos Mora, Andrey Soto, Josimar Alcocer; Manfred Ugalde
Joel Campbell was left out from the squad for these friendlies (undisclosed reasons). Manfred Ugalde is expected to lead the offense, he is currently the top scorer on this roster with 11 goals.
Joel Campbell was left out from the squad for these friendlies (undisclosed reasons). Manfred Ugalde is expected to lead the offense, he is currently the top scorer on this roster with 11 goals.