England vs Costa Rica : Preview and Predicted Lineup

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England and Costa Rica play each other in final group match of Group D.

This is the first meeting between the sides and both the team will want to end the group stages on a high. England are already eliminated from the tournament and will not have any change even if they win this match. Costa Rica have chance to make it 100% win record in Group Stages and top the table. However, even a draw will put them at the top.

England lost both their previous match of the group stage. they lost 2-1 to Italy after Balotelli scored the winner in second half. Marchisio’s goal was equalized by Daniel Sturridge in first half then. In the second match, Suarez’s brace inspired Uruguay to a 2-1 win despite Wayne Rooney grabbing his first World Cup goal as an equalizer.

Costa Rica won both their previous games in the group stage. Bryan Ruiz headed the goal to put them on winning course against Italy by 1-0 while they upset the Uruguay side by getting back three goals after falling behind to win 3-1.

Team News:

England will be fielding their second string side as Roy Hodgson looks to give other players some time in the field. Players like Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, James Milner, Frank Lampard and Ben Foster will be given a chance to play in the biggest stage. Frank Lampard will be leading the team in absence of skipper Steven Gerrard.

Costa Rica will be playing for their third win in group stage and are unlikely to make any changes. They will want to top the group and hence put up their strongest lineup, which will also be a strong start for their knock out stage fixture. Marcos Urena might push for a place with two substitute appearance though.

Probable Starting Lineup:

England:

Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 –  1

Ben Foster: Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill, Luke Shaw: Jack Wilshere, Frank Lampard:  James Milner, Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana: Daniel Sturrdige

Costa Rica:

Formation: 5 – 4 –  1

Keylor Navas: Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz: Ruis. Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos: Campbell