World Cup: England win final warm-up against Costa Rica – are they ready to challenge for tournament glory? | Football news

Declan Rice called it a “super performance” against Costa Rica. It left Thomas Tuchel “very proud”. So are England fit and ready to go on to win the World Cup?

This 3-0 victory for Costa Rica was an important step in the victory over New Zealand on Saturday and seems to have inspired confidence in the England players and the coaching staff. Their big support in Orlando were singing loud and proud in the stands, too.

The excitement of the traveling England fans was not dampened by the one-hour delay due to the pre-match storm. Instead, they seemed to be strengthened by what they saw.

It’s been a week since England opened the World Cup with Croatia, this was Tuchel’s last encouragement and hope. Attention-grabbing activities, energy despite the heat and, importantly, no injuries.

Preparations are underway, including a behind-closed-doors friendly against local team Miami FC on Thursday. But England’s hopes are rising, given the side’s track record.

Is it time to believe?

Scorer Rice feels it’s all coming together. “We are used to the heat, that is not a problem now,” he said ITV. “We’ve been talking all week about me, Anthony [Gordon] and Nico [O’Reilly] they would turn into liquid – you saw that in the first half. We build confidence and fitness going into that first game. It’s really good.”

Tuchel would not be satisfied. “Tonight it calms my mind as we are on the road and I am proud of the spirit of the team,” he told the broadcaster. “The guys who came in had an impact and the guys on the bench were pushing. That’s exactly what we want.”

Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett, watching from the press box in Orlando, described England as “slick, pacy, energetic everywhere”, adding: “They pressed high and effectively, despite the heat and humidity.”

Many pessimistic observers may say that defeating a team that failed to qualify for the World Cup is not something to get excited about, given the quality of Croatia’s future.

They could also point to England’s late-game energy provided by the substitutes when most of the starters were withdrawn after an hour on a hot, humid day in Florida.

So with the World Cup starting on Thursday, what do England’s chances look like? Are the runners who have won the European Championship ready to take a step towards glory? Or is this pre-tournament optimism misplaced?

Reasons to believe

Thomas Tuchel – The England coach is one of the most respected coaches in the World Cup. He showed a ruthlessness about the names of the stars that was unknown to his predecessors, but at the same time he built a united team. England will hope that his tactical approach and attention to detail will make the difference.

‘Brotherhood’ – There are no previous teams in this England team. Tuchel – like Gareth Southgate before him – prioritized bonds between his players. That could be key with talented players vying for the same starting roles in multiple offensive positions.

Harry Kane – The amazing captain will go to this world cup after the best goalscoring season of his life. No injuries. Please, there is no word that you are too deep. Kane is a major contender for the Ballon d’Or in the form of his life.

Reasons for fear

Fever and fatigue – How often do we see England’s stars wilt in the heat of a hot summer tournament? This could be one of the most brutal in recent times. England has empowered sports scientists to come up with a solution and talk about their equality. But England fans will be sweating profusely over this issue. After another torrid Premier League campaign, do these players have the energy to do their best when it comes to their country?

If not Kane, who? – Ollie Watkins will hope his poacher’s goal against Costa Rica allays fears about another Kane. However, let’s face it, the captain’s fitness and condition in this world cup is likely to be an important decision.

Beating the big boys – England’s record against the best teams will lower England’s expectations for many. France in the last World Cup. Spain in Euros. When England made a big name run, they always struggled under Southgate. Playing with their equality in this World Cup may make them need to beat Brazil, Argentina and Spain in order to win it.

What’s next?

The World Cup officially begins! Mexico vs South Africa opens the tournament on Thursday, June 11; starts at 8pm UK time.

In England they started their campaign to play in the World Cup Croatiawith their Group L opener kicking off at 9pm in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday June 17th.