The upcoming international friendly between England and Costa Rica serves as the final warm-up before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Scheduled for Wednesday at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, this encounter will allow the Three Lions to refine their attacking rhythm against a side that has struggled defensively in recent outings. With both teams approaching this match under very different circumstances, the clash promises to be an intriguing test of form and mentality.

England’s Recent Form and Key Stats

England enter this fixture as clear favourites, having demonstrated remarkable consistency in recent months. They secured a narrow 1-0 victory over New Zealand on June 6, extending their streak of scoring in each of their last 19 matches. The team’s defensive solidity has been equally impressive, keeping a clean sheet in their last 11 games and avoiding defeat in 28 of their previous 30 encounters. Such numbers underline their dominance in friendly competitions and beyond.

Across their last five matches, England have recorded three wins, one draw, and one defeat, averaging 1.2 goals scored and just 0.4 conceded per game. Their ability to control proceedings early is also notable — they have not trailed at half time in their last 18 matches and have led at the break in nine of their last twelve. These trends suggest a disciplined and efficient approach that often sees them dictate the tempo from the outset.

In the current Friendly International season, England’s record stands at one win, one draw, and one loss, with an average of 0.7 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per match. Despite a modest scoring rate, their defensive resilience remains a cornerstone of their success. The team’s recent run of 12 consecutive victories highlights their capacity to grind out results even when not at their attacking best.

• England have won their last 12 matches.


• They have kept a clean sheet in their last 11 games.


• Under 1.5 goals have been scored in the first half of their last 12 home matches.


• England have not drawn in their last 17 matches.

Costa Rica’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Costa Rica arrive at this friendly in search of stability after a difficult run of results. Their most recent outing ended in a 3-1 defeat to Colombia on June 1, extending a sequence of five matches without a win (two draws, three losses). During that period, they have averaged just 0.6 goals scored per game while conceding 2.2, a statistic that highlights their defensive vulnerabilities against stronger opposition.

In the Friendly International season, Costa Rica’s record reads zero wins, one draw, and two defeats, with an average of one goal scored and 3.3 conceded per match. Their inability to maintain defensive structure has been a recurring issue, particularly against teams with high attacking potential. However, there are some encouraging signs — Costa Rica remain unbeaten in their last four matches played on U.S. soil (two wins, two draws), showing that they can rise to the occasion in familiar surroundings.

Despite these positives, the challenge of facing one of the World Cup favourites will test their resilience. The absence of key players and recent disciplinary exclusions have further limited their options. To compete effectively, Costa Rica will need to tighten their defensive lines and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities, especially through their lone striker setup that has occasionally yielded success when executed efficiently.

• Costa Rica have failed to win any of their last five matches.


• They have conceded ten goals in their last three friendlies.


• Under 0.5 goals have been scored in three of their last ten matches.


• Average goals conceded per match this season: 3.3.

England vs Costa Rica Tactical Overview and Prediction

This friendly offers England a valuable opportunity to rediscover their attacking sharpness before the World Cup. While their defense has been outstanding, recent matches have shown a slight decline in offensive output, with only one goal scored in each of their last three friendlies. Facing a Costa Rica side that has struggled to contain opposing attacks could provide the perfect platform to regain confidence in front of goal.

Historically, England have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning their last meeting 2-0. The current form guide also points towards a similar outcome, with England’s superior organization and depth likely to prove decisive. Costa Rica’s defensive frailties and lack of recent victories suggest they may find it difficult to withstand sustained pressure from the English attack.

Given the statistical trends, a high-scoring encounter appears likely. England’s need to boost their scoring rhythm combined with Costa Rica’s tendency to concede multiple goals makes the Over 2.5 goals market particularly appealing. The Three Lions’ consistent first-half performances further reinforce the expectation of an assertive display from the outset.

England vs Costa Rica prediction by BetMines:
Over 2.5 goals with 57% probability.