Raheem Sterling in action for England against Costa Rica in 2014
Raheem Sterling in action for England against Costa Rica in 2014

England v Costa Rica: Preview of international friendly at Elland Road


England host a rare game on home soil away from Wembley on Thursday night as they take on Group E contenders Costa Rica in an international friendly.

The game will take place at Leeds United's Elland Road home, with the FA looking to take the England team around the country.

Gareth Southgate's men come into the tie on the back of a 2-1 victory over Nigeria, which extended their unbeaten run to nine matches.

On the contrary, Costa Rica are in a rough patch of form, winning just two of their last eight encounters in all competitions.

This will be the final game for both sides before this summer's World Cup in Russia, where England face Panama, Belgium and Tunisia in Group G and Costa Rica take on Switzerland, Serbia and the might of Brazil in Group E.

Here is everything you need to know on Costa Rica ahead of kick-off.

History

Costa Rica have played at four previous World Cups, their debut coming in 1990 when they reached the last 16.

Their best performance came in the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where they did not lose a match until they were knocked out by Holland on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Costa Rica secured their place in Russia by finishing runners-up to Mexico in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying.

They beat Scotland 1-0 in March in Alex McLeish's first game back as manager.

Ross Barkley in action for England against Costa Rica at the World Cup in 2014

Previous meetings

Costa Rica played out a goalless draw in a dead rubber against Roy Hodgson's side, having already famously topped their group at the 2014 World Cup - a pool in which England finished bottom, also behind Italy and Uruguay.

From that Costa Rica squad, 14 players will be going to Russia. In contrast, England have just five survivors from four years ago: Phil Jones, Gary Cahill, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling.

The latter three were all substitutes against the Central Americans, with only Sterling coming on.

Manager

Oscar Ramirez was appointed three years ago after previous boss Paulo Wanchope, who played for Derby and Manchester City, resigned following a brawl in the stands at an under-23s game in Panama.

Ramirez is a former Costa Rica international with 75 caps, and won multiple league titles as a boss with Alajuelense prior to taking up the post with the national team.

Former Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz captains Costa Rica

Players

Costa Rica's squad features several recognisable names. The most high profile is goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who joined up with the squad after winning a third successive Champions League crown with Real Madrid.

That might be an uncomfortable reunion for Liverpool duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson, who were on the losing side in Kiev.

Former Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz captains the side, which also includes Sunderland and ex-Everton defender Bryan Oviedo, Arsenal's Joel Campbell and Celtic's Cristian Gamboa.

Squad news

Jack Butland will start in goal for England against Costa Rica in their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup, according to Sky Sports.

Jordan Pickford started in the 2-1 win over Nigeria on Saturday and has been handed the No 1 shirt by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming tournament in Russia.

However, Butland insists he has not given up hope of becoming England's first-choice goalkeeper and is determined to prove his worth.

Both sides are expected to field strong teams in what is their final game before Russia.


Odds (via Sky Bet)

  • England to win - 1/3
  • Match to be a draw - 15/4
  • Costa Rica to win - 9/1

England are expected to pick up the victory here and should end their tournament preparation with a win.

Costa Rica have won just one of their last five away from home, making them 9/1 outsiders in West Yorkshire.

The Three Lions have managed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last ten games on home soil, and England to win to nil is available at 11/10.


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