The Three Lions are ready for the 2026 World Cup.Anthony Gordon scored and added an assist, and Ollie Watkins scored late to lead England to a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Wednesday in an international friendly at Inter&Co Stadium.The 25-year-old winger set up Declan Rice’s opening goal in the 10th minute before converting a penalty kick in the 68th minute. Watkins added England’s third goal in the 87th minute after Morgan Rogers’ initial shot was saved, allowing Watkins to capitalize on the rebound.”Nice stadium, nice little stadium, good football stadium, and good atmosphere,” said England manager Thomas Tuchel. “I think we did a lot to get the energy going. It was a beautiful connection between our team and defense. It was amazing conditions and in hindsight, it was good for us to have a bit of a delay, so could even adapt to that and see if it affects us. The group was amazing. We were not distracted, we didn’t lose our focus, and we had an excellent and determined performance from start to finish.” The victory capped a two-game sendoff series in Florida for England ahead of the World Cup.Last Saturday, England defeated New Zealand 1-0 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in the opening match of its Florida Series.Wednesday’s match at Inter&Co Stadium drew an announced attendance of 20,341.England opens World Cup play June 17 against Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Group-stage play continues June 23 against Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before the Three Lions face Panama on June 27 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins Thursday, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.Mike Gramajo is an assignment editor and sportswriter at WESH 2 who has covered Orlando’s soccer scene since 2012. Follow his coverage on X and Instagram.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

The Three Lions are ready for the 2026 World Cup.

Anthony Gordon scored and added an assist, and Ollie Watkins scored late to lead England to a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Wednesday in an international friendly at Inter&Co Stadium.

The 25-year-old winger set up Declan Rice’s opening goal in the 10th minute before converting a penalty kick in the 68th minute. Watkins added England’s third goal in the 87th minute after Morgan Rogers’ initial shot was saved, allowing Watkins to capitalize on the rebound.

“Nice stadium, nice little stadium, good football stadium, and good atmosphere,” said England manager Thomas Tuchel. “I think we did a lot to get the energy going. It was a beautiful connection between our team and defense. It was amazing conditions and in hindsight, it was good for us to have a bit of a delay, so could even adapt to that and see if it affects us. The group was amazing. We were not distracted, we didn’t lose our focus, and we had an excellent and determined performance from start to finish.”

The victory capped a two-game sendoff series in Florida for England ahead of the World Cup.

Last Saturday, England defeated New Zealand 1-0 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in the opening match of its Florida Series.

Wednesday’s match at Inter&Co Stadium drew an announced attendance of 20,341.

England opens World Cup play June 17 against Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Group-stage play continues June 23 against Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before the Three Lions face Panama on June 27 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins Thursday, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Mike Gramajo is an assignment editor and sportswriter at WESH 2 who has covered Orlando’s soccer scene since 2012. Follow his coverage on X and Instagram.