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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kick Off: 2000, 07/06/2018
Stadium: Elland Road
TV: ITV
England complete their World Cup preparations when facing Costa Rica in Leeds on Thursday and we’re not underestimating the visitors.
Los Ticos drew 0-0 with the Three Lions at Brazil 2014 en route to reaching the quarter-finals and have shown some useful form in recent international friendlies.
We believe 15/4 for another stalemate at Elland Road is fair value in our England vs Costa Rica betting tips.
England got off to a flying start against Nigeria on Saturday, with goals from Gary Cahill and Harry Kane putting them in control at the break.
However, Gareth Southgate’s side struggled to maintain the same rhythm after Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi pulled one back early in the second period.
“The first half was as good a half as we’ve had,” said the manager. “There was a lot of unselfish one and two-touch play. Our play from the back had good composure.
“It would be easy to say we were complacent in the second half but that wasn’t the case.
“We didn’t come to terms with their change in formation or work out their midfield quickly enough. We were a bit slow to react at the back and then it was a really good test for us.
“That five or six-minute spell we have to learn from, because in a tournament that’s enough to put you out.”
The hosts had drawn three of their previous four friendlies against Germany, Brazil and Italy, as well as winning narrowly in Holland.
We’re expecting another cagey contest here and like 27/20 for the scores to be level at half-time from the England vs Costa Rica odds.
Costa Rica made quite a splash four years ago, starting out the group stage with wins over Uruguay and Italy before sharing the spoils with England.
The Central American outfit then edged out Greece on penalties, before eventually bowing out via spot-kicks following a goalless draw with Holland.
Another tough pool awaits Los Ticos at Russia 2018, with Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia in the same section.
However, qualifying went smoothly enough, as they finished second to Mexico with 16 points from 10 games, and this year’s friendly results have been solid.
Oscar Ramirez’s side beat Scotland 1-0 at Hampden Park in March and hammered Northern Ireland 3-0 back in San Jose on Sunday.
Former Fulham star Bryan Ruiz expects a tough test at Elland Road, stating: “I think they are much better than they were four years ago.”
However, he added: “It’s going to be a very good game for us. Hopefully we are going to get a good result and good things from that game.”
We expect the visitors to try and keep things tight, so Evens for under 2.5 goals in the game is worth adding to our England vs Costa Rica betting predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
ENGLAND 2-1 Nigeria – Gary Cahill, Harry Kane
COSTA RICA 3-0 Northern Ireland – Johan Venegas, Joel Campbell, Francisco Calvo
Head-to-head: Costa Rica 0-0 England
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