England v Costa Rica: Everything you need to know about Los Ticos

Costa Rica are England's opponents in their final friendly warm-up match at Elland Road before both sides head to Russia for the World Cup.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jun 2018, 11:09 BST
Updated 19th Jun 2018, 18:07 BST
ll
l

Here, Press Association Sport runs the rule over Los Ticos.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Robbie Fowler on proudly wearing Three Lions armband in front of ‘home’ Elland Road fans

Previous

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

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.

Related topics:RussiaEnglandBrazilElland RoadHistory