Difficult decisions for England boss

Gareth Southgate is facing far “more difficult” decisions for England’s World Cup opener thanks to preparations that could scarcely have gone better.

Work for Russia has been as smooth as it has been impressive in recent weeks, with comfortable warm-up victories complementing fine work on the training field and increasing team spirit away from it.

Southgate’s side honed their skills at Elland Road on Thursday as they followed the win against Nigeria by sweeping aside Costa Rica 2-0.

Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck secured victory from another injury-free evening, giving the England manager a welcome selection headache ahead of the Group G opener with Tunisia on June 18.

“It’s more difficult,” Southgate said. “No question. There’s some serious decisions to take – but in a good way.

“We asked the players to give us competition for places.

“I can’t start complaining when they do.”

Man-of-the-match Rashford shone brightest in Thursday’s audition, with Fabian Delph also impressing.