Costa Rica almost made the breakthrough with just two minutes played, but Joel Campbell's clipped effort from the edge of the box floated narrowly wide of the post.
England were attacking the opposition goal soon after as Daniel Sturridge shot just wide before the striker fired off target again with a long-range drive.
Both teams battled persistently during a hard-fought opening half, and Costa Rica were inches away from taking the lead midway through when Celso Borges's free kick was tipped over by Ben Foster.
England were appealing for a penalty with around 30 minutes on the clock as Sturridge was dragged down in the box, but the referee waved away their vociferous appeals.
Roy Hodgson's side posed even more of an attacking threat as the half wore on, with Sturridge heading over from a corner and Ross Barkley slicing wide, though they failed to make the breakthrough.
England started the second half in much the same way as they finished the first, with Sturridge and Barkley causing the Costa Ricans numerous problems.
Sturridge had an effort snuffed out by the goalkeeper on 50 minutes before a Frank Lampard free kick from a dangerous position hit the wall.
Sturridge had a glorious chance to put England ahead just after the hour when he curled narrowly wide following some good link-up play with the bustling Jack Wilshere.
Raheem Sterling, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney came off the bench as the match entered the final 25 minutes, and Rooney nearly caught out the goalkeeper when his cheeky chip had to be pushed over.
Despite England's persistence up front, they were unable to bow out of the tournament with a win as the Costa Ricans held out for a point to make them the winners of the group.
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