Tony Mogan
Published June 6, 2026 11:01pm
Updated June 6, 2026 11:54pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Kane’s goal was enough to seal the victory (Picture: Getty)
England came through their first World Cup warm-up match unscathed with a 1-0 victory over New Zealand.
In the energy-sapping Tampa heat, Thomas Tuchel fielded two different starting XIs in each half with Harry Kane scoring the only goal of the game just before half-time, meeting Djed Spence’s cross with a fine header.
With the exception of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, the Arsenal quartet who will join up with the squad late after their involvement in the Champions League final, the England boss will have got a good look at everyone at his disposal on Saturday evening.
Having already made some huge calls assembling his 26-man squad, Tuchel might have gleaned a little bit more tonight ahead of the Group L opener against Croatia.
All the World Cup action
Get everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day. Sign up here.
Rashford sharpest on the night
While his club future is in limbo, Marcus Rashford was perhaps the brightest spark for his country in Florida. The on-loan Barcelona star created England’s best chances of the first-half, tormenting his full-back with almost every attacking threat coming down his side of the pitch.
Anthony Gordon was also bright in the second period but on tonight’s evidence, the left-wing spot against Croatia will belong to Rashford.
Rashford impressed in Tampa (Picture: Getty)
John Stones a Tuchel favourite
The Manchester City defender’s last Premier League starting appearance was back in August and he has managed just 86 minutes of top flight football since the turn of the year. But in his press conference announcing the squad last month, Tuchel made it abundantly clear just how much he admires the veteran centre-half.
Stones played the first 45 minutes (Picture: Getty)
Marc Guehi’s place in the starting XI is seemingly assured but a pretty faultless 45 minutes against admittedly limited opposition in New Zealand bodes well for Stones having a key role to play in what could be his last World Cup.
Mainoo makes midfield play
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson have been the settled midfield partnership under Tuchel with Mainoo not making any of the German’s squads until now. For the final qualifiers last autumn, the Manchester United star was frozen out of the team at Old Trafford by Ruben Amorim. Since Michael Carrick’s appointment, he has been reborn, ending the season in sublime form and looking a much more complete midfield player than he did a year ago.
Mainoo looked bright in midfield (Picture: Getty)
In one moment midway through the first-half, he found himself back just outside his own box helping Djed Spence, sparking a counter with a cheeky backheel moments later. While it might not be enough to force his way into the starting XI, Mainoo looked at home in an England shirt again.
First choice starting XI looking clear
Squad numbers getting issued this week provided a few clues but how England will line up against Croatia on 17 June looks a little clearer on Saturday’s evidence.
Reece James and Nico O’Reilly came on in the second half with the Chelsea captain looking sharp. While Spence did provide the assist for Kane’s goal, O’Reilly looked a formidable presence on the left.
The debate over who will start at no10 will continue into next week but Jude Bellingham’s introduction also raised the level of the England performance, breaking the lines with some slick passing, looking forward at every opportunity.
Difficult to tell where England are at as Croatia looms large
The decision to play two different teams in each half ensured everyone got a run out but it was another tame outing with not enough drive for England. Of course, that is to be expected in a warm-up game so close to the main event, but it has been a long time since they impressed in a game with any competitive edge.
Still plenty for Tuchel to ponder (Picture: Getty)
Friendlies at Wembley against Uruguay and Japan in March were against opposition of higher calibre and the performances those nights were disappointing.
More Trending
-
World Cup 2026 sweepstake: Download your free printable pack
Channel: Football Football 3 days ago By Harry Thomas-Humphreys - England's possible routes to the World Cup final with dates and kick-off times
- The touching reason Channel 4 is showing the iconic 1966 World Cup Final this weekend
- The good, the bad and the ugly - ranking the World Cup's best and worst kits
Ahead of the game on Saturday, Tuchel suggested England would approach New Zealand with a high-pressing, intense approach – something that seemed a little strange given the extreme conditions facing the players. We saw little of that against New Zealand.
While getting through the game with no injuries and more minutes under the belt was much-welcomed, Scotland’s thumping 4-0 win over Bolivia showed there can be fireworks at this delicate stage of preparations. A final warm-up game against Costa Rica on Wednesday awaits where a little bit more verve will be expected.
Arrow MORE: England’s possible routes to the World Cup final with dates and kick-off times
Arrow MORE: Fifa will now allow plastic water bottles at World Cup games after anger at ban
Arrow MORE: World Cup 2026 Group A-D guide: What to expect and players to watch
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source In The Mixer’s World Cup specialEverything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.
Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy