ELLAND ROAD will stage England's final World Cup warm-up friendly before they head off to Russia this summer.

The Three Lions will take on Costa Rica at Leeds United's ground on Thursday, June 7 (8pm) five days after playing Nigeria at Wembley.

England have played twice at Leeds' 37,890-capacity stadium – a 2-1 defeat to Italy in March 2002 and a 3-3 draw with Sweden in June 1995.

The ground also staged matches in 1996 when England hosted the European Championships.

Taking home games on the road is something England did in the build-up to Euro 2016, playing games at Sunderland's Stadium of Light and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

England manager Gareth Southgate said: “We’re immensely proud to play the majority of matches at Wembley, which is always special.

“Equally, it’s nice when we have an opportunity to take the team on the road.

“We have a huge following in Yorkshire with large numbers of our members and travelling support coming from that area.

“Having been to Manchester and the North-East last time, it’s nice to be able to go to Yorkshire for a different experience for everybody.”

Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear said: “It is an honour to host the national team at our home before the side head off to Russia for the World Cup.

“Elland Road is a special arena that has the facilities of a modern stadium, while also being a traditional football ground and I am sure that the England team will enjoy the atmosphere that will be created here too."

Southgate's men are in World Cup Group G, along with Tunisia, Panama and Belgium.

Their World Cup campaign begins against Tunisia in Volgograd on June 18.

Ticket details for the Elland Road clash will be confirmed in due course.