Result: England 2 (Rashford 13', Welbeck 76') Costa Rica 0
To Russia with love. England took their final World Cup warm-up game on the road and got the strongest of send-offs - both on and off the pitch.
In the stands at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium there were throwback songs to Euro 96 and “Football Coming Home”, a raucous party atmosphere and even pantomime boos for the host of Manchester United players on show. This was Leeds, after all. It was confirmation that England away from the up-for-sale Wembley might well be a very good idea.
One of those United players, Marcus Rashford, then went on to produce such a scintillating performance against fellow World Cup contestants Costa Rica that he made a powerful case for forcing his way into the starting line-up when England’s campaign begins a week on Monday against Tunisia in the heat of Volgograd.
It is assumed that Raheem Sterling will be tasked to be the forward player working closest to Harry Kane, but Rashford scored a superb goal and contributed to the second, claimed by substitute Danny Welbeck, in a relentless performance. There is, finally, healthy competition.
That was Welbeck’s eighth goal in 12 appearances for England and he confirmed his worth in the squad, a threat from the bench, while there were positives just about everywhere for Gareth Southgate. The manager knows the real work is about to begin, the real pressure is about to kick in, but England at least have the semblance of a team with a structure, with a belief and with depth. And, and this is all too rare, they appear to be enjoying it. The shackles were off.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the opener against Tunisia in Russia is who will be given the nod in central midfield. With Jordan Henderson returning to international duty following Champions League heartbreak with Liverpool, alongside Fabian Delph this evening against Costa Rica, Eric Dier finds himself on the bench.
Gareth Southgate has already intimated that only one of either Henderson or Dier will start in a deeper role against Tunisia and Panama.
“I think we will only want to play with one pivot. Henderson can play as a No8, so that gives you an option, Dier can play as a centre-back. So they both have another way into the team," said Southgate.
Live commentary Relive all the action as England beat Costa Rica 2-0 at Elland Road in their final match before the World Cup in Russia.
