England’s World Cup misery was confounded on Tuesday as they failed to beat Costa Rica and therefore left Brazil with a single point.
Frank Lampard captained Hodgson’s side in what could be his last international game depending on whether his ageing body feels up to the task any longer. Gary Cahill, who has play every minute of the World Cup, lined up in defence.
Players such as Chris Smalling and Jack Wilshere were given a run out from the off as England looked to restore some pride after an anti-climatic World Cup campaign.
England were the better team in a game of few chances as Hodgson’s team fully controlled the game for the first time in the tournament, but failed to make their dominance count for anything.
Daniel Sturridge, who has scored half of England’s two goals in Brazil, seemed to be the greatest source of chances to win the game; the Liverpool striker saw a long range effort go narrowly wide midway through the first half.
Ben Foster took the place of Joe Hart in net for England and was forced into a fantastic save from Celso Borges’ freekick. The West Brom goalkeeper did brilliantly to move across his line and tip the ball onto the bar and away from danger.
England had a great shout for a penalty before the half hour mark as well, with Daniel Sturridge going down under Duarte’s challenge as he was about to tuck it away and put England in the lead for the first time in their World Cup campaign. However, despite clear contact, the protests were waved away by the referee.
After a goalless first half, England put their best move of the game together with a clever one-two between Sturridge and Arsenal man Jack Wilshere. Bursting into the box, Sturridge looked certain to put it away but was centimetres wide. On another day, it was advantage England.
However, the rest of the game lacked chances despite the introductions of Gerrard and Rooney, and England ended it goalless. It might of also been the final appearance in an England shirt for Gerrard and Lampard, with their England futures hanging in the balance.
England went home with a single point and just two goals, but positives to take in how they performed, especially in games against Uruguay and Italy.
Elsewhere in the group, Prandelli resigned from his post as Italy manager after Uruguay progressed to the next round with a 1-0 win, but the main talking point will be Luis Suarez. Believe it or not, he’s been biting again.
Credit must be given to Costa Rica. Expected to be the whipping boys of group D, they top it with seven points despite missing two of their best players to injury.
Full time: Costa Rica 0-0 England
