Thomas Tuchel revealed his strategy for England’s World Cup opener against Croatia next Wednesday in Dallas, as his players demonstrated the potential of their intensity and fluid connections on the pitch.
However, the limited challenge posed by Costa Rica must be acknowledged; they struggled to maintain possession and focused primarily on defense. Still, Tuchel found positive signs in his robust starting lineup, which was particularly telling in light of his player selections.
One of the most significant choices was opting for Jude Bellingham in the No. 10 position over Morgan Rogers. Bellingham excelled, and he wasn’t alone in his performance. Tuchel also chose Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford on the left flank, a decision that paid off with Gordon’s dynamic showing. Other noteworthy selections included Ezri Konsa in central defense instead of Marc Guéhi, and Noni Madueke on the right, with Bukayo Saka not fully fit.
The match experienced an hour delay due to torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, rescheduled to 5 PM local time. Nevertheless, England handled the situation adeptly. Their clarity of focus was evident when Declan Rice put them ahead early in the game. They could have scored more, but settled for goals from Gordon, who converted a penalty, and Ollie Watkins late in the match. The substitute netted after Rogers’s shot was saved.
Bellingham was active from the outset, making a block tackle just eight seconds into the match, setting the pace for the rest of the team. England’s start was electrifying, with Gordon signaling his intent to challenge Costa Rica’s right-back, Shawn Johnson.
The first goal materialized through traditional wing play from Gordon, who outmaneuvered Johnson with explosive speed. After reaching the byline, he pulled back a pass that Rice slotted into the far corner with a deflected shot.
Concerns had arisen about whether the match would proceed, especially as rain poured heavily around 1:30 PM local time. The major worry was the lightning, and the conditions were reminiscent of biblical proportions. By 2:30 PM, parts of the pitch appeared waterlogged, showcasing the effectiveness of the drainage system. Fortunately, by 3 PM, the rain had subsided, and the field was in good condition.
England maintained total control throughout the match, with a consistently high tempo despite the oppressive heat and humidity. Costa Rica hardly made it past the halfway line. Madueke missed a significant scoring opportunity on the 36th minute after Bellingham sent him through, initiated by a clever flick from Harry Kane. Madueke rounded the goalkeeper, Patrick Sequeira, but struck the near post with an open goal beckoning. His choice to use his left foot from such an angle proved to be a mistake.
Kane managed to test Sequeira with a header from Rice’s free-kick in the 22nd minute, while Gordon’s pace repeatedly troubled Johnson. In first-half stoppage time, Gordon believed he had earned a penalty after feeling contact from Johnson and going down. Referee Katja Koroleva initially pointed to the spot but reversed her decision after consulting with her video assistant, concluding that Gordon had exaggerated the contact.
Tuchel expressed his frustration to the fourth official regarding the penalty decision as they exited the field for halftime. He also had reason to be concerned about a careless pass from Jordan Pickford on the half-hour mark that nearly resulted in a chance for Costa Rica, a rare moment of alarm for England.
Anderson had an eventful day as his club, Nottingham Forest, rejected Manchester City’s substantial bid for him. He seemed unfazed, perhaps eager to showcase his worth. Anderson’s performance was visually impressive. England continued their pursuit for more goals in the second half. Madueke connected with a low diagonal pass from Kane, cutting inside but narrowly missing the far post. Despite the earlier miss, Madueke’s overall gameplay was commendable. After a deep corner from Rice, Nico O’Reilly failed to convert a chance after Konsa headed the ball back.
Tuchel made six substitutions shortly after the hour mark, with Rogers replacing Kane, allowing Bellingham to briefly take on the central striker role. Bellingham assisted another substitute, Eberechi Eze, who saw his shot hit the arm of Costa Rica’s Joseth Peraza, leading Koroleva to award a penalty. Initially, it seemed Bellingham would take the kick, but Tuchel’s assistant, Anthony Barry, indicated it should be Gordon. His execution was confident. Rogers later squandered a clear opportunity in the 76th minute, but Watkins ensured the final goal.
