What could we learn from England's final World Cup warm-up?

But with their opening game now just a week away, things should get a little more serious in their final friendly, so what could we learn from Thomas Tuchel's men ahead of the big World Cup kick-off? 

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What will the defence look like?

There's still some debate over what England's first-choice back four will be next week against Croatia, so we may get some idea of who we expect to be Tuchel's first choice in this final warm-up fixture. 

Djed Spence and Jarrel Quansah starting against New Zealand should be nothing more than minutes in the legs for the squad members, and instead, the two full-backs expected to be first choice in Dallas should start. 

Reece James and Nico O'Reilly are all but assured to be starters, and having played the second half on Saturday, it should be the occasion for them both to start from the off and in the position they are most likely to be deployed in. 

In the centre, it's still not totally a given who will be partnering Marc Guehi, so a start for either Ezri Konsa or John Stones could be a telling factor. 

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Bellingham's chance 

The number ten debate is one that keeps on raging, with Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham at the heart of the argument on who will be the preferred starting option in that position. 

Rogers started against New Zealand without making much of an impression, but Bellingham offered little more when he appeared in the second half, so the question remains up in the air. 

How many minutes each get against Costa Rica will be telling, with Tuchel even suggesting in the build-up that Bellingham faces competition from two players, but also there's even a possibility that he and Rogers could play in the same team. 

Those notions could be the Germans' way of just keeping us guessing, but it's an interesting prospect to consider alongside the clamour for each. 

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The Barca boys 

With Bukayo Saka sewn up the spot on the right, is the other side of the attack still up for grabs? 

It's a straight shootout between Marcus Rashford, who enjoyed a fine season at Barcelona, and then who's set to replace him at the Nou Camp, Anthony Gordon.

Rashford looks to have the edge right now, but if Gordon can produce a standout performance in the minutes he's given, then he could sneak into the starting line-up for the Group L opener. 

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Another young Lion cameo?

It may not have any bearing on their World Cup bid - unless there's an unfortunate injury - but there may also be room for another cameo from England's next generation. 

Rio Nguoma played a starring role on Saturday, picking up the player of the match award in the process, and if the game seems to be petering out, will Tuchel be tempted to give one of the others a run-out? 

Alex Scott seems most likely, given he's the only one who could join the squad and has already been called into the senior set-up previously, but there are also Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri among those who have travelled to the States for the experience.

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