This was a training game - England & Tuchel now need to get serious

For all the permutations Tuchel went through against New Zealand, one indisputable truth remains for England: Kane is the key to all their World Cup aspirations. He headed the winner seconds before the break, his 79th international goal in 113 appearances. Once again, the captain made the decisive contribution and England are simply not the same side without him. In the Costa Rica friendly, Tuchel has the opportunity to shape partnerships in central defence, where John Stones was given 45 minutes alongside Marc Guehi against New Zealand. That followed an injury-troubled final season at Manchester City for Stones. Perhaps Tuchel will also give the clearest hint on who will take the much-debated number 10 role. It is a straight fight between Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham. Rogers was first pick in this friendly, but nothing can be read into this as Bellingham took the captain's armband when he came out for the second half. Regarding the line-ups, Tuchel said after the game there were "no hidden messages". Ollie Watkins and Toney, who played a half each, did nothing to suggest they will be anything other than understudies to Kane, as expected, while Tuchel will have been pleased Chelsea's Reece James got through 45 minutes at right-back, where he is almost certain to be a World Cup starter. …