In a highly anticipated warm-up match for the World Cup, England faced Costa Rica, showcasing their strong footballing rivalry. The two teams previously met in 2014 and 2018, with England securing a 2-0 victory in their last encounter.
England’s Dominance Against Costa Rica
- England has played Costa Rica twice before.
- The first match ended in a 0-0 draw during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- In their second encounter, England won 2-0 in a friendly in June 2018.
Recent Form of Both Teams
England’s national team remains unbeaten in their last 16 matches against CONCACAF nations, recording 12 wins and 4 draws. They have only conceded four goals since their last defeat to the USA in June 1993. Specifically, England has achieved a perfect record against teams ranked below the top 50 in FIFA rankings, winning all their last 11 encounters by an aggregate score of 28 to 1.
On the other hand, Costa Rica has struggled against UEFA nations recently. Following a 3-0 win against Northern Ireland in June 2018, they have not managed to secure a victory in their last seven matches against European teams, recording two draws and five losses. During this span, they conceded a total of 20 goals.
Key Statistics from the Matchups
| Metric | England | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Encounters | 1 Win, 1 Draw | 0 Wins |
| Recent Matches Against UEFA | Unbeaten in Last 16 | 0 Wins in Last 7 |
| Goals Conceded Against UEFA | 4 Goals Since 1993 | 20 Goals in Last 7 |
Notable Players to Watch
Harry Kane’s scoring record continues to shine, with 11 goals in his last 11 matches for England. His ability to find the net has made him a critical player for the national team. Conversely, Josimar Alcócer has emerged as a player to watch for Costa Rica, noted for his performance in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, where he attempted the third-most take-ons this season.
This warm-up match served as a significant opportunity for both teams to sharpen their skills before heading into the World Cup. England’s solid form provides great confidence, while Costa Rica looks to turn their fortunes around.
