England may have played a more expansive game in Brazil, but it hasn't produced results. Defeats to Italy and Uruguay mean that no matter what result Roy Hodgson's men achieve against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on Monday, they cannot qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup.

With little riding on the contest, Hodgson may give some of those that haven't featured in the first two matches a start.

Consequently, the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley could all feature, while it may be Steven Gerrard's last outing for England, with reports having suggested that the captain will retire from international football.

As for the Costa Ricans, they have been one of the tournament's surprise packages. With maximum points from their first two encounters, the Central Americans have already guaranteed their place in the last 16.

To avoid injuries or suspensions, head coach Jorge Luis Pinto is expected to make numerous alterations to his starting lineup, with Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell among those to be omitted.

Belo Horizonte was the venue where England, who have never previously met Costa Rica, were famously defeated by the USA at the 1950 World Cup.

Recent form

Costa Rica: LWLDWW

England: WWDDLL

Possible starting lineups

Costa Rica: Pemberton; Acosta, Miller, Diaz, Francis; Barrantes, Calvo, Granados, Tejeda; Urena, Brenes

England: Hart; Jones, Smalling, Cahill, Shaw; Gerrard, Wilshere; Lallana, Barkley, Rooney; Sturridge

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Liam Apicella

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