Costa Rica has already qualified to the pre-quarters as the toppers of Group D of this edition of the World Cup ahead of the likes of Italy, Uruguay and England. England, meanwhile, are out of the World Cup despite their good performance. Now they will be looking to salvage some pride and win at least one game. Manager Roy Hodgson is set to make a couple of changes to the squad that appeared in the first two games. Luke Shaw will be replacing injured Leighton Baines, while Frank Lampard will play in the midfield instead of Steven Gerrard. This will the legend’s last ever World Cup appearance. The Costa Ricans have impressed enormously by beating two big guns in the form of Italy and Uruguay. They will hope to do a clean sweep with a victory against the English.
Players to look out for:
Ross Barkley will be starting for England which will be an added strength to his team as he has shown promise in the few minutes he played. Luke Shaw, the 18-year old left back will replace Leighton Baines, is another young prospect that has already proved his mettle in the Premier League at such a young age. Among the Los Ticos, their stubborn defense is still one to be reckoned with as they have results to show for themselves and will try their level best to curb the England attack.
Teams head-to-head:
The two teams have not each other in any competitive fixtures so far.
Probable line-ups:
Costa Rica (3-4-2-1): Navas; Duarte, Gonzalez, Miller; Gamboa, Borges, Tejeda, Diaz; Brenes, Campbell; Ruiz.
England (4-2-3-1): Foster; Jones, Smalling, Cahill, Shaw; Wilshere, Lampard (c); Lallana, Barkley, Milner; Sturridge.
Prediction:
The England squad is battered and bruised after a dismal campaign that saw them off at the group stage. They will be out for blood to salvage some pride and Costa Rica will face the brunt. Costa Rica will not get third time lucky.
Final Score Prediction: Costa Rica 0 – 3 England.
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