England faced New Zealand in the first of two World Cup warm-up friendlies in humid conditions at the Raymond James Stadium in Florida on Saturday night. Thomas Tuchel played two entirely different teams in either half against the All Whites as he tried to get his 26-man squad used to the conditions in the United States.
Tuchel made 11 changes at half time, with captain Harry Kane among those who played the first 45 minutes in Tampa, Florida. The second-half XI had the benefit of being 1-0 up thanks to Kane’s header three minutes into first-half stoppage time. And in the heat and humidity, there were no more goals added to the scoreline before full-time as the two countries played out a low-key affair. Marcus Rashford ended the brightest performer of the day with very little to shout about in a second half that was effectively a training session for fitness levels more than anything else.
Express Sport rates and slates England’s second-half team…
Just his second senior England appearance after his debut against Uruguay in March. Was barely called into action.
Was the designated set-piece taker but deliveries didn’t amount to much and fired one free-kick straight into the chest of Marko Stamenic. Not really able to get forward and showcase his ability on the ball as much as he’d have liked.
Did his chances of starting against Croatia no harm, and was on hand to head clear one dangerous corner-kick, but in truth didn’t have much else to deal with. Was a game more about his passing forward than his defending, and his passing was solid. Took some stoods to the top of his foot late on but played on.
Nearly had his first goal for England when he beat the goalkeeper to an aerial ball but headed against the outside of the post. Had another header deflected wide. Managed a 100 per cent passing accuracy with his 40 passes including one brilliant crossfield pass out of trouble in stoppage time.
Operating at left-back rather than right-back and was fine. His strengths lie in his defending more than his attacking. So this game wasn’t one where he’d be expected to shine given England dominated the ball.
Saw loads of the ball and used it cleanly. Drilled one long-range strike into his own team-mate. Steady.
Starting in midfield, the Manchester City man was in deeper areas than we’ve grown used to seeing him operate in at club level. An understated display.
Took the captain’s armband off of Kane. A beautiful pass put Gordon into space in the channel but the winger’s cross was behind Ivan Toney. Great feet in one attack which ended with him blasting a shot over the bar and possibly into outer space. Didn’t misplace a single one of his 32 passes.
Not in the World Cup squad but in the US to help make up the numbers. The 17-year-old was handed his senior England debut on the right wing despite playing from the left for Liverpool but still looked as threatening one-vs-one. His end product, from his weaker foot, was inconsistent with some overhit crosses and he should have done better with a pass into Toney but looked like he could make things happen.
Thought he’d won a penalty when he was fouled inside the box but was flagged offside. Only got eight touches of the ball but showed some good movement despite barely being used by his team-mates. Wasted a great chance in stoppage time but fortunately for him, had wandered well offside.
Barcelona’s new boy could have done better with a cross into Toney in the box but was dangerous and England’s best attacker, like his fellow left-sided forward Marcus Rashford in the first half. Forced a good save from substitute goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.