England beat New Zealand, 1-0, this Saturday, in Florida, United States, in a preparatory game for the 2026 World Cup. The only goal of the match was scored by Harry Kane, with a header, at the end of the first half.
Key details
In a match with clear English dominance, the team coached by Thomas Tuchel controlled possession of the ball and put pressure on the opponent from the start. Despite their superiority, the English found it difficult to create danger near the New Zealand goal. The first opportunity came in the eighth minute, with Stones powerlessly heading in Rashford’s corner. Shortly afterwards, in the 16th minute, Kane forced goalkeeper Crocombe into a tight save with a shot from distance.
New Zealand, in turn, tried to exploit the counterattack and, in the 26th minute, Garbett tested Pickford’s attention with a shot from outside the area. In the final stretch of the first half, England intensified the pressure. Rashford, in the 33rd minute, crossed for a Kane header saved by Crocombe, and Rashford himself tried his luck twice from distance, without success.
The goal would end up coming at 45+2′. Spence progressed down the left and crossed into the box, where Harry Kane appeared at just the right moment to head in to put his team in front before half-time.
Harry Kane, who else? #sporttvportugal #FUTEBOLna SPORTTV #PreparationGame #England #New Zealand pic.twitter.com/r TWGPV5a5k
For the second half, Thomas Tuchel promoted a genuine revolution in the team, bringing on players like Trafford, Bellingham, Toney, Gordon, Konsa, Burn, Livramento and Reece James. Even with the changes, English dominance remained.
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