Five things were learned from England v New Zealand in Tampa
07.06.26, 03:16 Updated 07.06.26, 12:10 3 Minute Read
Phil Martin
England kicked off their World Cup warm up with a 1–0 victory over New Zealand at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Harry Kane’s strike in first-half stoppage time proving decisive. In a match played out in stifling heat, there was real encouragement for the future in the form of Rio Ngumoha, whose lively debut caught the eye. The youngster seized his chance to impress Thomas Tuchel. He are five things we learned from the game.
Jude Bellingham is still the headline act. Even on a night of control rather than spectacle, Bellingham provided a timely reminder of his ability. The crowd reaction when he emerged after half-time said everything about his standing with the England supporters in the crowd. He remains England’s talisman, the player who excites; it was great to see him handed the armband for the second half and that suggests Tuchel may build his World Cup team around him.
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Phil Martin Author, journalist and veteran of eight major tournaments, and England top capper, with a background in sports writing, editing and publishing.