England should face no pitch problems when they play their second friendly in the US – although the weather may present its own challenge.
Daily Mail Sport revealed that Thomas Tuchel and his Three Lions were to play against New Zealand on a ‘plug and play’ surface in Tampa that had only been laid around a week earlier.
And following the game on Saturday, Tuchel and Harry Kane criticised what appeared to be a patchwork quilt surface at the stadium, which is used to hosting NFL matches and concerts.
While complaints were made over how hard the pitch was – and how difficult it was to play on – England mercifully came through unscathed and with no injury concerns.
On Wednesday night they will play their second and final warm-up in Florida when they take on Costa Rica 85 miles to the east in Orlando.
However, the match will take place at the Inter&CO stadium, which is the home of MLS side Orlando City, and women’s team Orlando Pride. And officials have been quick to point out that the soccer-specific, Bermuda grass surface laid six months ago will present an entirely different proposition than that faced by Kane, Jude Bellingham and co in Tampa.
Following the game on Saturday, Tuchel and Harry Kane criticised what appeared to be a patchwork quilt surface at the stadium, which is used to hosting NFL matches and concerts
The forecast at 4pm kick-off time is currently for thundery showers and a temperature of 33 Celsius with a feel of around 40 Celsius
A spokesperson explained: ‘England and Costa Rica will be playing on the permanent natural grass surface at Inter&Co Stadium, the same pitch used year-round by Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride.
‘This is a fully-established natural Bermuda grass field that was most recently laid in December 2025 and has since benefited from a full grow-in period, along with ongoing professional maintenance and field management.’
A lack of bedding-in time in Tampa meant that various sections of the pitch had, apparently, failed to knit.
But the spokesperson added that will not be the case in Orlando. ‘The surface is suitable for elite-level competition and has successfully hosted numerous high-profile matches, including most recently two fixtures during the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025,’ they explained.
‘Because it is a permanent venue with a dedicated natural grass playing surface, teams can expect a mature, well-rooted field designed specifically for top-level soccer competition.’
England have two pitch managers and, perhaps unsurprisingly, they have been in regular contact with Orlando’s director of turf and grounds.
Eyes instead may be on the skies. The forecast at 4pm kick-off time is currently for thundery showers and a temperature of 33 Celsius with a feel of around 40 Celsius.
Much has been written about the unpredictable conditions that this World Cup will play out under, and the potential for breaks in play thanks to the weather. Indeed, should there be disruption it may well give England a taste of what is to come.
