Kane Scores, but England's World Cup Prep Off to Underwhelming Start Against New Zealand

Harry Kane netted his 79th international goal, but England's World Cup preparations began with a lackluster 1-0 victory over New Zealand. The Three Lions labored against a team ranked 81 places below them, with Kane's first-half stoppage-time flick from Djed Spence's cross proving to be the only goal of the match.

Despite enjoying significant possession, England found clear-cut opportunities scarce against the resilient New Zealand side. This performance, played in the intense Florida heat, offered little indication of the team's readiness for the tournament ahead. Manager Thomas Tuchel fielded two entirely different lineups for each half, a strategy that yielded a victory but failed to provide definitive answers regarding his preferred starting XI for England's opening World Cup fixture against Croatia on June 10.

Early in the match, Marcus Rashford missed a decent chance from the edge of the box. Kane eventually broke the deadlock, converting a Spence cross from left-back, who himself had an impressive outing. Following the halftime interval, Ivan Toney replaced Kane, part of the eleven changes made by Tuchel. Toney later believed he had earned a penalty, but a marginal offside call against him disallowed the opportunity.

England's dominance in possession did not translate into further goals, with New Zealand content to limit the scoreline. Despite a 60-year wait for major tournament success, England enters the World Cup as one of the favorites, having reached at least the quarter-finals in their last four major tournaments. They are grouped with Ghana and Panama in Group L, while New Zealand faces Iran, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.

“

England's forward #09 Harry Kane celebrates scoring a goal during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone, 1st round group K football match between Andorra and England at RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, on June 7, 2025.