Harry Kane’s header lifted England to a 1-0 win over New Zealand in a sweltering Florida friendly as Thomas Tuchel rotated 22 players.
England began their World Cup preparations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New Zealand, battling intense heat in Tampa, Florida.
Thomas Tuchel used the friendly to test his squad’s depth, field-ing two completely different lineups across each half. Despite dominating possession against the lower-ranked side, the Three Lions struggled to find their rhythm in the humid conditions.
The breakthrough arrived just before the referee blew for half-time. Captain Harry Kane rose highest to meet a precise cross from Djed Spence, powering home the game’s only goal.
The second half offered fewer clear-cut chances, though it provided a memorable moment as 17-year-old Liverpool prodigy Rio Ngumoha made his international debut. A late penalty shout for a foul on Ivan Toney was ultimately chalked off for offside.
England will look to sharpen their edge against Costa Rica on Wednesday, ahead of their tournament opener against Croatia.
