The England team faces Costa Rica this Wednesday (10), at the Inter&Co Stadium, in Orlando (USA), in a friendly preparatory match for the 2026 World Cup. The kick-off, scheduled for 6pm (Brasília time), was delayed due to strong storms that hit the stadium, with lightning and an accumulation of water on the pitch.
Drain crews work in the field while lightning safety protocols are followed. The postponement reflects the logistical challenges that teams may face during the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, where summer storms are common in several venues.
Confirmed England lineup
Thomas Tuchel should send a 4-2-3-1 formation onto the field with Jordan Pickford in goal; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Nico O’Reilly in defense; Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice in the middle; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon in attack, with Harry Kane as captain and center forward.
The list of related players includes names like Bukayo Saka (with minutes managed after injury), Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Marc Guéhi, among others. The German coach has been using his period in the USA to train players and adjust the system before his debut in the World Cup.
Formation of Costa Rica
On the Central Americans’ side, coach Fernando Batista should select Patrick Sequeira; defenders like Jeyland Mitchell, Fernán Faerrón, Haxzel Quirós and others; half with Carlos Mora, Josimar Alcócer and Orlando Galo; and Manfred Ugalde up front, in a 4-1-4-1 or similar variation.
What changes with the delay
The game is England’s last test before the World Cup. The postponement allows more recovery time, but also tests adaptation to Florida’s hot and humid climate — a factor that could be repeated in the competition. Costa Rica, ranked much lower (#51 against #4 for the English), seeks to surprise and gain pace.
Where to watch live
In Brazil, live transmission is the responsibility ofDisney+and ESPN. Also follow real-time updates on scoreboard apps.
Tuchel has emphasized the need for intensity and minutes for the group, especially for those who didn’t play much in the previous friendly. The focus is to fine-tune the chemistry for the tournament at home (USA).
