Bellingham and Gordon shine as England demolish Costa Rica 3-0 in World Cup warm-up

England swept aside Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando on Wednesday night, with Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice all impressing as Thomas Tuchel’s squad built momentum ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The match was delayed by an hour after a ferocious thunderstorm left the pitch waterlogged, but England adapted quickly once play got under way, growing stronger as the game progressed. By the final whistle, the travelling support were in full voice.

Rice opened the scoring early, sweeping home a Gordon cutback into the far corner from close range. It was a finish that reflected England’s dominance — they were on a completely different level to their Central American opponents throughout the first half.

Gordon, who had been preferred to Marcus Rashford in a selection call that felt significant, justified Tuchel’s faith with an energetic display despite limited minutes at the end of the Premier League season. He capped his performance by stepping up to convert a penalty — awarded after Bellingham’s run into the box drew a handball from Costa Rica’s Darryl Samuels — and smashing it into the top corner to seal the win.

Bellingham was commanding throughout, starting ahead of Morgan Rogers and dictating play from midfield. John Stones also did his prospects no harm with a composed display at the back.

Nuni Madueke had a moment to forget when he rounded the goalkeeper only to strike the post with the goal gaping, though he nearly made amends with a curling effort that drifted just wide.

The second half brought a raft of substitutions, and Bukayo Saka — listed as a fitness concern — came on and looked sharp, adding to the sense that England’s depth is growing. The Florida training camp appears to be paying dividends, with Tuchel’s side visibly sharper than they were in last Saturday’s friendly against New Zealand.

The result and the manner of it will encourage England supporters, even if Costa Rica offered limited resistance. With the World Cup approaching, the auditions are well under way — and several players made a strong case for a starting berth.