England solely simply beat ‘World Cup’s worst staff’ as Harry Kane spares Thomas Tuchel blushes

England beat the World Cup’s lowest-ranked nation New Zealand 1-0 on the eve of the tournament as Thomas Tuchel got a look at how his Three Lions will cope in the heat

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England struggled to victory over New Zealand in their opening friendly warm-up match ahead of the World Cup.

The Three Lions had spent the week getting used to the scorching conditions in Florida, but could only serve up a dull 1-0 victory for the 25,889 supporters in Tampa against the tournament’s lowest-ranked nation. New Zealand sit 85th in the world rankings and, according to FIFA, are ranked below Haiti and Curacao. Yet it wasn’t until the 47th minute that Harry Kane nodded home Djed Spence’s delivery to open the scoring.

Thomas Tuchel made wholesale changes at the interval, with players’ fitness levels being meticulously monitored in the oppressive heat. But most fans watching back home were more concerned by the “atrocious” quality of the footage being broadcast by ITV and the inane mutterings of Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon on commentary.

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In the second half, England were given a spot-kick for a challenge on Ivan Toney, before the linesman’s flag went up to cancel out the award. There was a first England cap for Liverpool’s 17 year old winger Rio Ngumoha, who displayed considerable potential. But overall, it was a snoozefest, and as Roy Keane said on ITV afterwards, the attackers will have been disappointed to do so little against “a really poor team”.

The first half line-up featured Jordan Pickford; John Stones, Marc Guehi, Jarrell Quansah, Spence; Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers; Marcus Rashford, OIllie Watkins and Kane.

The second half line-up saw them replaced by James Trafford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento; Jude Bellingham, Elliott Anderson, Nico O’Reilly; Anthony Gordon, Ngumoha and Toney.

Heat a major factor

This World Cup will be shaped by the sweltering temperatures and humidity in which matches will take place.

Sides will find it difficult to maintain their typical intensity, despite cooling breaks in each half and the additional measures FIFA have put in place.

Tuchel is fully aware of what lies ahead, and England have been collaborating with Team GB to ensure their players are as prepared as possible. They’ve also turned to tech in a bid to gain an advantage over their rivals, using fitness trackers, cooling vests and palm cooling devices.

However, with the mercury hitting 33 degrees in Tampa, Tuchel opted to change his entire team at half-time. “Let’s see what we can produce,” he said before the 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.”

A lacklustre beginning

Ian Wright voiced concerns about the newly-laid pitch prior to kick-off. “I’m not sure, for this calibre of player at this stage of a World Cup,” he commented on ITV. “We’re going into the start of the World Cup. It looks very uneven and very dry. I worry about it.”

Fortunately, these worries didn’t result in any injuries, but the spectacle was undoubtedly marred – and other factors didn’t help. Some fans inside the Raymond James Stadium had forked out $250 (£187) to watch this match in Florida’s sweltering heat. To slake their thirst, a beer cost them $18 (£13.49), while an ‘ultra premium double cocktail’ was priced at $26.50 (£19.86).

They were essentially watching a training session, played on a bumpy pitch and against the backdrop of a pirate ship. As a first glimpse of what’s to come at the World Cup, it wasn’t exactly enticing.

Kane the key

Kane netted a truly ridiculous 61 goals in 51 matches across all competitions for Bayern Munich in 2025/26.

He entered this fixture with 79 strikes in 113 appearances for England. So it came as little shock when he broke the deadlock in Tampa.

His clever glancing header nestled perfectly into the bottom corner and gave England supporters cause to exhale after a subdued opening period.

The 32-year-old simply cannot cease finding the net and, while there’s evidently an over-dependence on their skipper, England won’t be concerned.

Left-back battle

Numerous supporters and experts had anticipated it would be Lewis Hall vs Nico O’Reilly competing for England’s left-back berth at the World Cup.

Newcastle defender Hall was omitted from the squad and, judging by this encounter, it might well be Djed Spence versus Tino Livramento.

Spence occupied the left-back position during the opening 45 minutes and proved one of the few bright spots, with his eagerness to advance offering England an attacking option. It was the Tottenham player’s delivery that Kane headed home and his speed – which Tuchel mentioned when justifying his selection – was evident.

After the interval, it was the right-footed Livramento at left-back, with O’Reilly functioning as part of the midfield trio.

It remains early stages, and Tuchel candidly acknowledged that Ollie Watkins was only deployed on the right flank because Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke weren’t yet available, but it’s certainly worth monitoring.

Rashford vs Gordon

Another fascinating duel awaits on the left flank, where Marcus Rashford comes up against the player who might have nabbed his place at Barcelona, Anthony Gordon.

Rashford remains hopeful of securing a permanent move to Barca from Manchester United this summer following a productive loan stint, but the £69million acquisition of his England colleague has potentially complicated matters.

Both forwards are most comfortable drifting inwards from the left wing onto their preferred right foot, and it’s yet to be determined who Tuchel favours for the position.

Rashford touched down early in Florida to work out alone at Inter Miami’s training ground, clearly eager to leave his mark, though he had scant chance to shine against New Zealand.

Gordon made waves with his Spanish during his Barca presentation but wasn’t the standout performer in the second period, with his late curled attempt comfortably handled and Jude Bellingham stealing the spotlight.