12 Jun 2019
One last friendly means one last chance for the Three Lions to strut their stuff and show the millions of red and white believers that they have what it takes to compete at the World Cup finals.
It can only help seeing favourites such as Spain, Belgium and Germany struggling of late, with wins surprisingly hard to come by against lesser opposition in the latest friendly matches. It begs the question... is football finally coming home? Get England to win the World Cup here at 14/1
After victory against Nigeria, England can still boast the impressive record of never losing to an African nation. The 2-1 victory was certainly a tale of two halves, mind, with the latter sparking debate about England’s ability to kill games off.
It is likely that many of the team that started against Nigeria will retain their place in the starting XI for England’s first group game at the World Cup. Some England players may have something to say about that in the upcoming friendly against a solid Costa Rica side.
Such players with a point to prove include Jamie Vardy, Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom may get their opportunity this Thursday to showcase their talent and ability. This final friendly will be no walk in the park, however, as Costa Rica have begun to establish themselves as a nation who are no longer considered as underdogs.
England players with a point to prove
Jamie Vardy
The 31-year old is in a tough spot heading into Russia, with fierce competition from the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane.
After 23 goals for Leicester this season and important goals of late for England, there is no doubt that Vardy will be needed at some point due to his clinical finishing, and the match against Costa Rica will allow him a chance to show the nation his worth.
Harry Maguire
After the unexpected return of Gary Cahill, Maguire is in a battle to take one of the starting spots at the back. Being handed the no.6 shirt appears to indicate a leading role for the 25-year-old though. now fighting to keep his world-cup hopes alive. Maguire impressed during qualifying and if he puts in a confident performance on Thursday, it could be enough to see him seal his spot in England’s opener. Get Harry to help England win to nil here at Evens.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
You wouldn’t believe that Alexander-Arnold is the youngest English player at this year’s tournament (aged 19), having played in the Champions League final with Liverpool only a few weeks ago where he kept one of the best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, all but silent.
Thursday should see Liverpool’s star right-back gain his first cap for his country. A stellar performance against Costa Rica could see him become an integral part of Southgate’s plans in Russia.
Why Costa Rica should not be snubbed
Costa Rica currently sit 25th in the FIFA rankings and over recent years, have started to establish themselves as a difficult side to play against.
Their most recent game saw them comfortably beat England’s neighbours Northern Ireland 3-0, and during their World Cup qualifying campaign they managed to overcome stiff competition such as the United States to come 2nd in their qualifying group.
With players such as captain Bryan Ruiz and three-time UCL winner Keylor Navas, they have both the flair and experience, which could cause England some problems.Get Costa Rica to win and both teams to score here at 14/1.
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