Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: England-Costa Rica, likely lineups

The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, and England and Costa Rica take on each other in what is the Three Lions national team’s dress rehearsal ahead of their debut in the World Cup. The match is scheduled for 10 p.m. Wednesday night (Italian time) in Orlando. Tuchel’s team has disappointed in recent friendlies, and even the narrow victory with New Zealand did not convince insiders who expect something more from one of the tournament favorites. Costa Rica will not participate in the World Cup for the first time after five editions in a row and will face the match with a re-strengthened lineup.

Tuchel will line up most of those who will be starters in the debut with Croatia on Wednesday, June 17. Kane up front, on the three-quarter will be Saka, Bellingham and Rashford. In the median there will be room for Anderson and Rice, while the full-backs will be James and O’Reilly. The coach expects important responses from the team’s stars.

Costa Rica with Ugalde as the offensive point of reference and Mora, Soto and Alcocer on the trequartista line. Salazar and Flores are the two midfielders.

England-Costa Rica, the likely lineups
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
COSTA RICA (4-2-3-1): Sequeira; Quiros, Mitchell, Faerron, Araya; Salazar, Flores; Mora, Soto, Alcocer; Ugalde.