Thomas Tuchel says England are ready to step up intensity of World Cup build-up

Thomas Tuchel says England are ready to take the next step in their World Cup preparations as his side take on Costa Rica a week out from the curtain-raiser against Croatia.

The back-to-back European Championship finalists have been gearing up for the tournament since arriving in hot and humid Florida last Monday.

England have worked in West Palm Beach either side of Saturday’s sweltering friendly against New Zealand in Tampa, where Tuchel played different sides in each half of a forgettable 1-0 win.

Now comes a final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica, who have not qualified for the World Cup but provide an important step on the road to next Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia.

England boss Tuchel, who revealed Bukayo Saka’s fitness is being managed after an Achilles issue, said: “No-one needs a break, everyone is available. That’s the very good news.

“No-one was injured, no complaints, after the first match. One day for recovery, two good training sessions and ready to give it a push tomorrow. Push means more than 45 minutes – players will play 60, maybe some 70.

“That’s the plan. We then have the chance to load the players on day later in a match behind closed doors in our training facilities.

“Then pre-camp is finished, and we start our adventure two days later in Kansas.

“But, like I said, we expect a push tomorrow, physical and from intensity and also from style of play, from ball speed and everything. We want to take the next step, and we feel ready for it.”

England fly to their World Cup base in Kansas City on Saturday having returned to their warm weather camp in West Palm Beach camp after taking on Costa Rica in the oppressive Orlando heat.

Some players could be in action again on Thursday as a