ORLANDO: England were undeterred by a thunderstorm that delayed their final World Cup warm-up friendly as they beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando on Wednesday.

Anthony Gordon was the star of the show with a goal and an assist as he made his case to start ahead of Marcus Rashford in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.

Kick-off was postponed by one hour after torrential rain and lightning in Florida left the pitch at the at the Inter&Co Stadium heavily waterlogged ahead of the planned 4pm (2000 GMT) kick-off time.

Tuchel appeared to signal his team selection for the Croatia clash as he named a strong side and held off on substitutions until just after the hour mark.

Gordon and Jude Bellingham were the big winners as the latter edged ahead of Morgan Rogers in the battle to start behind Harry Kane in attack.

Gordon beat his man to reach the byline and cut the ball back for Declan Rice to open the scoring on nine minutes. Kane was withdrawn among six changes made by Tuchel on 63 minutes.

The England captain’s absence meant Gordon took responsibility from the penalty spot when Eberechi Eze’s shot came off the arm of a Costa Rica defender. Gordon dispatched the spot-kick emphatically for his third international goal.

Ollie Watkins round off the scoring when Rogers’ shot was parried into the path of Aston Villa forward.

Despite not winning a major tournament for 60 years, England are considered among the favourites for the World Cup.

After a meeting with Croatia, England also take on Ghana in Boston and Panama in New Jersey in Group ‘L’.

PORTUGAL EDGE NIGERIA

In the concluding warmup on Wednesday before the showpiece kicks off, Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao making up for an off night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neto opened the scoring midway through the first half, but Nigeria levelled through Akor Adams before half-time. Conceicao restored Portugal’s lead 15 minutes from the end in Leiria as five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo wasted a number of good chances.

At 41, Ronaldo will be heading to his record sixth World Cup, but there are concerns that his presence will prevent Roberto Martinez’s strong side from flourishing.

With his full squad available following the arrival of the four players who won the Champions League with Paris St-Germain, Martinez started midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves alongside Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal leave on Friday to set up base camp in Palm Beach, Florida.

They open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston against the Democratic Republic of Congo, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group ‘K’.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026