World Cup 2014: 5 Things England Must Consider In Group D

By James Kent /

3. Costa Rica Is An Opportunity That Can't Be Missed

As mentioned, so many times we have seen England stutter during the group stage. However, hopefully the tough draw will ensure that this does happen during this World Cup. The Costa Rica game is an interesting one as they are the weakness team in the group by some distance. Costa Rica are currently ranked 31 in the world and will probably be thinking of simply not getting totally embarrassed. However, England don't have the luxury of doing them any favours. With the group looking so tough, there is every possibility that something may well be decided through goal difference. Therefore, a passive performance from England will not do, and they must take full advantage of this game. Costa Rica has only appeared in four World Cups previously and has never reached the latter stages. Their performance in Copa America is a little better where they have reached the quarter-finals in 2001 and 2004, but all in all this is game that England should win and by a decent margin.