Kane-inspired England face Costa Rica in last World Cup tune-up as attacking concerns linger
Thomas Tuchel’s side travel to Orlando for their final pre-tournament test, with Harry Kane in scorching form but questions over the supporting cast’s goal threat.
Final test in Florida
England travel to Orlando for their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, taking on Costa Rica on Wednesday night. Across 16 World Cup campaigns, England have lost only one final warm‑up match (a 7‑1 hammering by Hungary in 1954), with nine wins and six draws in the other 15. Saturday’s 1‑0 victory over New Zealand in Tampa, settled by Kane’s header, gave Tuchel’s men a winning start to their preparations. The manager will want a sharper performance after a disjointed display against the All Whites.
Kane’s scoring machine
Harry Kane enters the match in prolific form, having netted 11 goals in his last 11 England appearances and 61 for Bayern Munich this season. The captain has scored against 35 different nations, at least seven more than any other England player. A goal against Costa Rica, whom he has never faced, would lift that tally to 36. Tuchel, while aware of the reliance, said he was not overly concerned and pointed to the team’s overall strength.
The search for secondary goals
Concerns remain over where the goals will come from if Kane is stifled or injured. Backup strikers Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney both wasted opportunities against New Zealand. Marcus Rashford, with 18 goals in 71 internationals, is the only other squad member with a double‑figure tally. With England hoping to end 60 years of hurt at the World Cup, the supporting cast – including wide players and attacking midfielders – must sharpen their finishing. Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate after the near‑miss at Euro 2024, has spoken boldly about adding a second star to England’s shirt but knows goals must be shared.
Costa Rica’s challenge
Costa Rica are winless in five matches (D2 L3) and have lost all seven recent meetings with European opposition, conceding 20 goals in that span. The heaviest of those defeats came at the 2022 World Cup, a 7‑0 loss to Spain and a 4‑2 reverse against Germany. Winger Josimar Alcócer, who attempted 155 take‑ons in the Belgian league this season, provided an assist in their 3‑1 defeat by Colombia last time out. Los Ticos last beat a UEFA side in June 2018, a 3‑0 friendly win over Northern Ireland.
Historical edge
England’s record against CONCACAF nations is formidable: unbeaten in 16 games (W12 D4) with only four goals conceded. They have also won their last 11 matches against teams ranked outside FIFA’s top 50 (Costa Rica are 52nd) by an aggregate score of 28‑1. The head‑to‑head with Costa Rica comprises a goalless draw at the 2014 World Cup and a 2‑0 friendly victory in 2018, where Rashford and Danny Welbeck scored. These trends point to a comfortable evening, but Tuchel will demand a performance that sharpens his side’s cutting edge before the main event.
