Will England Shine in Final World Cup Warm-Ups Against New Zealand and Costa Rica?

England's national football team has successfully secured their place in the upcoming World Cup by winning all eight of their qualifying matches, showcasing a remarkable performance throughout the campaign. The Three Lions are now gearing up for the tournament with preparatory matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida, ensuring they are well-prepared for the competition, which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 11 June to 19 July.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the World Cup approaches, England is finalising their preparations with two friendly matches set for early June. These fixtures against New Zealand and Costa Rica will allow the team to fine-tune their tactics and squad cohesion before heading into the tournament. The matches will take place in Florida, providing a warm-weather training environment that mirrors the conditions they will face during the World Cup.

Key takeaways

• England won all eight of their World Cup qualifying matches.
• The team will play friendly matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida in June.
• England's training base for the tournament is Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri.

Timeline: how we got here

England's journey to the World Cup has been marked by significant milestones:

• November 2022: England completes World Cup qualifying with eight wins from eight matches.
• January 2025: The Football Association identifies Kansas City as the preferred training location.
• March 2023: Final home fixtures at Wembley against Uruguay and Japan are scheduled.
• June 2023: Friendly matches against New Zealand (6 June) and Costa Rica (10 June) take place in Florida.
• 11 June 2023: The World Cup tournament officially begins across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent updates confirm that England will hold their pre-tournament training camp at Swope Soccer Village and will play two friendly matches in Florida, allowing them to acclimatise and prepare for the tournament conditions.

What was already established

It is well-established that England has been in excellent form, having won all qualifying matches without conceding a single goal. Their last match against New Zealand occurred in 1991, and Costa Rica has a history of competitive encounters with England, including a goalless draw in the 2014 World Cup group stage.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With the tournament approaching, there is heightened interest in football, and fans are likely to engage in various viewing events, boosting local economies. Additionally, the team's success may spark a surge in merchandise sales and travel to watch matches.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in Kansas City and Florida may experience increased activity due to the influx of fans and media. This can lead to temporary job creation in hospitality and retail sectors as the tournament draws closer.

Policy and regulation

The Football Association's focus on Kansas City as a training base reflects strategic planning for optimal performance. Discussions around security and logistics for the tournament are also ongoing, impacting local authorities.

Numbers that matter

• 8: The total number of wins England achieved in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
• 0: Goals conceded by England during the qualifying matches.
• 3: The number of group stage matches England will play in the World Cup.
• 2: Friendly matches scheduled before the World Cup, against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
• 11 June – 19 July 2023: The dates for the World Cup tournament.

Definitions and jargon buster

• World Cup: An international football tournament held every four years, featuring national teams from around the globe.
• Major League Soccer (MLS): The professional football league in the United States and Canada.
• Football Association (FA): The governing body for football in England.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can anticipate the friendly matches in June, which will provide insight into the team's readiness and strategy. Following these matches, England will head straight into the tournament.

Medium term (1–6 months)

After the World Cup, the focus will shift to the next qualifying campaign for Euro 2024, where England will aim to build on their current success.

Signals to watch

• Results from the upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
• Performance in the World Cup group stage matches against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
• Player fitness updates leading into the tournament.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on match schedules and ticket availability for the World Cup.
• Engage with local events celebrating football during the tournament.
• Follow the team's journey through media and social platforms.

Don’t

• Don’t overlook the significance of the upcoming friendly matches in shaping the squad.
• Don’t make assumptions about performance based solely on past successes.
• Don’t forget to support local businesses during the tournament.

Checklist

• Check the match schedule and plan viewing parties.
• Follow England's training updates and squad announcements.
• Prepare for potential travel to the USA if attending matches.
• Stay informed about player injuries and fitness levels.
• Engage in discussions about the team's tactics and lineup.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the World Cup approaches, uncertainties around player fitness can impact team performance. Additionally, the dynamics of international tournaments can lead to unexpected outcomes, making it essential to remain cautious in expectations. The performance in friendly matches could also vary significantly from actual tournament play, which is often more competitive.

Bottom line

England's flawless qualifying campaign sets a positive tone for their World Cup journey. With strategic preparations in place and friendly matches scheduled, the team is focused on building momentum. Observers should remain vigilant about player fitness and performance trends as the tournament draws near, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the team's prospects.

FAQs

How did England perform in World Cup qualifying?

England completed their World Cup qualifying campaign with an impressive eight wins, not conceding any goals throughout the matches.

When will England play their friendly matches?

England's friendly matches are scheduled for 6 June against New Zealand and 10 June against Costa Rica in Florida.

Where will England's group stage matches be held?

England will play their three group stage matches in various cities across the United States, including Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey.