All the permutations came to an end for this evening for the over-hyped Three Lions of England as they crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage for the first time since 1958.

After yesterday’s 1-2 loss to Uruguay – their second consecutive loss after being beaten by Italy in their first game – England had hoped that Italy would crush under-rated Costa Rica today at the Arena Pernambuco Recife to give them a lifeline ahead of their last Group D match against Costa Rica next week Tuesday.

That, however, was not to be, as the underdogs sprang a mighty surprise, outplaying the Italians and sealing the feat with an unreplied 44^th minute goal. The hero of the day was skipper and deadly forward Ruiz B who, upon receiving a deep cross from Diaz sprinted onto the ball and slammed a header off the bar and into the goal.

With this victory, giant-killing Costa Rica, who beat Uruguay 3-1 in their first match, join the Netherlands, Chile and Colombia in the Round of 16, while England join Cameroon, Spain and Australia on the plane home after the group games.

The second survivor from the group will be determined by the outcome of Tuesday’s clash between Italy and Uruguay. Italy need a draw to progress to the Round of 16 while Uruguay must win to continue their World Cup campaign in the land of samba, Brazil.

•Photo shows Costa Rica’s goalkeeper hugging match winner Ruiz B after the shocking defeat of Italy . . . this evening at the Arena Pernambuco Recife in Brazil.