Football Twitter is a funny old place
We were reminded of that once again on Thursday night as England played their final World Cup warm-up game on home soil.
Costa Rica were the opponents in Leeds and were beaten 2-0.
But that’s not why you’re here, is it? No. Instead, you’re here for Ian Smith.
With around 20 minutes of the game still to play, Costa Rica brought the 20-year-old defender on as a substitute. No big deal, you might think, but on Football Twitter it was a big deal.
Amused by the fact the Central American nation had the most English-sounding player on the Elland Road pitch, those watching tweeted about Smith so much that his name was soon trending on Twitter. It remained this way for hours after the full-time whistle, too.
https://twitter.com/_omeara_r/status/1004823962533187584
https://twitter.com/LuceFord_/status/1004823192811266048
https://twitter.com/callumhorgan_/status/1004822933372579841
https://twitter.com/marty_robo/status/1004669952220114945
A player called Ian Smith playing for Costa Rica 🇨🇷🤔🧐😯#ENGCRC pic.twitter.com/yPnfsZk2Ll
— ⚒ Cess (@YouLoveCess) June 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/ellison_tate/status/1004823003216138241
Not havin him as an Ian Smith 😂 pic.twitter.com/N77Vb3MURb
— FortressGoodison (@Winter1878) June 7, 2018
When "Ian Smith" comes on as sub for Costa Rica vs England. #ENGCRC pic.twitter.com/7AUm4r1D2T
— Stuart Robertson (@stupendous223) June 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/ZA_1888/status/1004823012619808770
Ian Smith, remember the name. We wouldn’t bet against it trending again if he gets any minutes against Brazil in Costa Rica’s World Cup opener a week on Sunday.
As for the game itself, England put in a decent performance. Marcus Rashford was particularly impressive, capping his display with an impressive early long-range opener. To make absolutely certain of the victory, Danny Welbeck, on as a substitute, headed home England’s second late on.
