Thomas Tuchel should reach some firmer conclusions around his strongest XI after England face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up tonight, at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium.
The Three Lions were far from spectacular in a box-ticking win against New Zealand in a humid Tampa Bay on Saturday night, thanks to Harry Kane’s first-half added-time header.
Tuchel may have made 11 substitutions at the break in that match, but tonight he may afford a longer run-out for players who are set to start the group opener versus Croatia on 17 June.
Bukayo Saka’s involvement will be curious given Tuchel’s admission on Tuesday that the Arsenal forward must be managed carefully while dealing with an injury that has been bothering him for months. But Saka aside, the rest of the squad appear fit and ready.
Kick-off in Orlando is at 9pm BST and you can follow every meaningful kick below.
England taking caution to ‘build up’ Saka as Arsenal players join squad
Saka, one of four Arsenal players who arrived late to pre-camp due to the Champions League final, will be monitored by the England staff who are ‘building him up’ for the start of the tournament.
Tuchel explained that Saka’s injury in March means a ‘little bit of care’ will need to be taken to make sure he hits his highest level in time for the World Cup 2026 group games.
The head coach said: “We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March and carried it through to club. He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly but he was managed in between matches; that continues a bit at the moment. We are building him up.”
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