CostaRicaclashLeedsEnglandtoRussia

ENGLAND will face Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up game in Leeds.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate chose the opposition to help prepare for their World Cup Group match with Panama in Russia this summer.

England will play Central American outfit Costa Rica at Leeds’ Elland Road ground on Thursday June 7, their farewell game before setting off for the tournament. They will also face Nigeria at Wembley on June 2.

Southgate has decided to have only two warm-up friendlies and the English will base themselves at St George’s Park before flying out to Russia.

The FA have been anxious to take England “round the country” to tap into the feelgood factor from playing at other stadiums. Leeds has a capacity of 37,890 which is way below Wembley.

However, the heads at the FA have been keen to buy into the enthusiasm of fans around the country and they clearly feel that will be the perfect send off.

Southgate’s side also have two friendlies with Holland and Italy – who both failed to qualify for Russia – on March 23 and 27 respectively as they build up to the World Cup.

The final Premier League schedule of the season is on May 13 while England kick off their World Cup campaign against Tunisia on June 18 before also playing Panama and Belgium in the Group stage. Chelsea 0, Arsenal 0.

– Shrewsbury 0, Blackpool 0 (Shrewsbury win 4-2 on pens).

– Alaves 2, Formentera 0 (agg: 5-1); Villarreal 2, Leganes 1 (agg: 2-2, Leganes win on away goals); R Madrid 2, Numancia 2 (agg: 5-2). (6.30pm unless stated)

– Levante (2) v (1) Espanyol, Sevilla (2) v (0) Cadiz, Barcelona (1) v (1) Celta Vigo (8.30).