England laboured to victory over New Zealand in their first friendly warm-up match for the World Cup. The Three Lions spent the week acclimatising to the sweltering conditions in Florida but could only treat the 25,889 fans in Tampa to a solitary goal against the lowest-ranked side at the World Cup.
New Zealand are the 85th-best side in the world and, according to FIFA, are worse than Haiti and Curacao, but it took until the 47th minute for Harry Kane to head in Djed Spence’s cross and break the deadlock. Thomas Tuchel changed the entire XI at half-time, with the players’ workloads being carefully managed in the heat.
England were awarded a penalty for a foul on Ivan Toney before the offside flag was raised to overrule the decision. There was an England debut for Liverpool’s exciting 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha in the second half, but little else to get excited about.
Another friendly against Costa Rica – when the Arsenal contingent will be available – follows on Wednesday, with the Three Lions then fully focused on their Group L opener against Croatia on June 17.
First half line-up: Pickford; Stones, Guehi, Quansah, Spence; Henderson, Mainoo, Rogers; Rashford, Watkins, Kane.
Second half line-up: Trafford; James, Konsa, Burn, Livramento; Bellingham, Anderson, O’Reilly; Gordon, Ngumoha, Toney.
Here are the talking points from the friendly in Tampa.
This World Cup will be defined by the heat and humidity in which the games will be played. As an expert told Mirror Football, teams will struggle to produce their usual intensity, even with hydration breaks in each half and the other measures FIFA have introduced.
Tuchel knows full well what to expect and England have been working with Team GB to prepare their players as best as possible. They have also embraced technology in an attempt to get an edge on their opponents, with fitness trackers, cooling vests and palm cooling devices all being deployed.
But with temperatures reaching 33 degrees in Tampa, Tuchel decided to swap the entire XI at half-time. “Let’s see what we can produce,” he said pre-match. “It’s the first really, really hot day. We’re looking forward to that. I see no problem why we shouldn’t implement our high press.” Needless to say, that high press – and any sort of intensity – was sorely lacking.
View 5 ImagesThe hydration break was needed(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Ian Wright summed up the concerns around the newly-laid pitch before kick-off. “I’m not sure, for this calibre of player at this stage of a World Cup,” he said on ITV. “We’re going into the start of the World Cup. It looks very uneven and very dry. I worry about it.”
Thankfully, those concerns didn’t manifest in an injury, but the spectacle certainly suffered – and other factors didn’t help. Some supporters inside the Raymond James Stadium had paid $250 (187) to attend this match in the sticky heat of Florida. To quench their thirst, a beer set them back $18 (£13.49), while an ‘ultra premium double cocktail’ cost $26.50 (£19.86).
They came to see what was effectively a training session, played on a bobbly pitch and in front of a pirate ship. As a first taste of what is to come at the World Cup, it wasn’t exactly alluring.
View 5 ImagesThe pirate ship watching England’s friendly with New Zealand(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Kane scored a frankly absurd 61 goals in 51 games across all competitions for Bayern Munich in 2025/26. He came into this game with 78 goals in 112 games for England. So it was hardly surprising when he opened the scoring in Tampa.
His deft flicked header landed perfectly into the bottom corner and allowed England fans to breathe a sigh of relief after a low-key first half. The 32-year-old cannot stop scoring goals and, while there is clearly an overreliance on their captain, England won’t mind.
View 5 ImagesHarry Kane opened the scoring for England(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Many fans and pundits had predicted that it was Lewis Hall vs Nico O’Reilly for the England left-back slot at the World Cup. Newcastle defender Hall was left at home and, if this game is anything to go by, it could be Djed Spence vs Tino Livramento.
Spence was at left-back in the first half and was one of a few bright sparks, with his ambition to get forward providing England an outlet. It was the Tottenham man’s cross which Kane nodded in and his pace – which Tuchel referred to when explaining his selection – was on show.
In the second half, it was the right-footed Livramento at left-back, with O’Reilly operating as part of the midfield three. It is early days, and Tuchel openly admitted that Ollie Watkins was only playing on the right wing because Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke weren’t available yet, but it is something to keep an eye on.
View 5 ImagesTino Livramento played the second half at left-back(Image: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Another intriguing battle is on the left wing, where Marcus Rashford goes up against the man who may have taken his spot at Barcelona, Anthony Gordon. Rashford is still hoping to join Barca on a permanent deal from Manchester United this summer after a successful loan spell, but the £69million deal for his England team-mate has thrown a potential spanner into the works.
Both players at most at home cutting inside off the left wing onto their stronger right foot and it remains to be seen who is Tuchel’s favourite for the role. Rashford arrived early in Florida to train by himself at Inter Miami’s facilities, so is clearly keen to make an impression, but he got little opportunity to make his mark against New Zealand.
Gordon impressed with his Spanish at his Barca unveiling but wasn’t the main character in the second half, with his late curling effort easily dealt with and Jude Bellingham dominating proceedings.
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