Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game as England played New Zealand in the Florida sun. Jude Bellingham was one of the few players to garner attention before the World Cup.
Jude Bellingham played in the second half for Tampa and earned the captain’s armband (Image: Rich Story/Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel led England halfway around the world, reminding us of what we already knew.
The Three Lions have no chance without Harry Kane at this World Cup, as the England captain scored his 79th goal in his 113th cap. And anyone who thinks England are better off without Jude Bellingham must be looking at a completely different ball game.
It was a strange training session under the scorching Florida sun, with England using different starting XIs for the first half and second half, which was quite unsatisfying. But Kane’s header in first-half stoppage time was enough to secure victory in Tuchel’s first warm-up game of the season.
Then, after everyone was substituted at half-time, Bellingham came on and stole the show, showing his class with his skill, vision and quality.
Based on this evidence, Bellingham absolutely has to start against Croatia on June 17, but interestingly, Tuchel has also given him the captain’s armband, which could represent a vote of confidence.
This was a welcome addition to England’s World Cup campaign. It was 90 degrees pitchside at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the sun was shining, and beer costs nearly 14 pounds.
For this match in particular, the pitch had only been laid last week and the seams were visible, like a bad decorator had stained the wallpaper.
New Zealand are ranked 85th in the FIFA rankings, their lowest spot for this World Cup, and following their recent 4-0 defeat to Haiti, this was supposed to be more practice than test for Tuchel’s side.
Harry Kane continues his form in goal (Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)
Tuchel has made it clear that he intends to give each player 45 minutes of time, but it is natural to look at the starting XI and wonder if that will be indicative for England’s first group game against Croatia on June 17th.
In front of him was Harry Kane. Jordan Pickford in goal. In defense John Stones and Mark Gehi. Arsenal’s quartet (Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke) will only join up after this match as they were given an extra week off after the Champions League final.
But the big question and dilemma is whether Morgan Rodgers or Jude Bellingham will start. This time it was Rogers. And I felt that was a bit important, keeping in mind that relationships need to be built between players.
Rodgers is playing right behind Kane and that could be a clue as to who is in Tuchel’s mind, never mind what others think, and that’s all that matters.
Thomas Tuchel fielded 22 players against New Zealand (Image: Rich Story/Getty Images)
The only problem with this theory is that Jarrell Quansah and Jed Spence are starting at fullback, and out of respect, neither will start against Croatia in Dallas.
And after this, their chances seemed even more remote. Both were caught up during the break and could hardly make any headway.
The player who particularly stood out was Jordan Henderson, who showed a sharp look. Marcus Rashford was threatening and Kane looked very fit despite his tendency to drop deep for the ball.
Kane forced a good save from New Zealand’s Max Crocombe. Kane made a mistake after another shot tipped over and went through by Watkins.
Matt Garbutt had the best shot in a frustrating first half, his curling shot forcing a good save from Pickford.
A drink break was needed in Tampa (Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)
But when all else fails, England can always turn to Kane. Sure enough, Kane scored in first-half stoppage time. Spence performed his trademark trick, switching inside with his favored right foot and sending in a cross from the left that found Kane glancing home.
Tuchel followed through on his promise at half-time. The England manager substituted all 11 players. From then on, it was mix and match. Liverpool teenager Rio Ngmoha played in the match, but he is just one of four in training. Dan Byrne hit a header wide of the post.
Bellingham immediately made the biggest impact of all the substitutes. He received the biggest cheers and was a step up in his passing, vision and intent. He was also awarded the captain’s mark.
The result ended 1-0, and it was by no means a memorable match. Except for Kane and Bellingham.
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