New Zealand finalised preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 defeat to England in Tampa, Florida.
Harry Kane’s header in first-half stoppage time was the only goal to decide the first meeting between England and New Zealand at senior men’s level since 1991.
Having lost 4-0 to Haiti in their penultimate preparation game, a sturdier defensive display from the All Whites frustrated England.
The Three Lions put just four of their 23 shots on target, with Kane the source of three of them in an entertaining duel with former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
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Kane’s 17th minute long shot was parried by Crocombe, while the Millwall goalkeeper was again at large as he parried a Kane header over in the 34th.
But there would be no denying Kane two minutes into first-half stoppage time as he glanced a cross from the left by Djed Spence across the face of goal, beyond the dive of Crocombe and into the net.
It was Kane’s last involvement in the game before England made 11 substitutions at half time.
New Zealand’s one shot on target came when Matthew Garbett’s winding run in midfield resulted in an attempt from outside the box in the 27th minute. Jordan Pickford was sharply down to his left to parry the ball away.
Sarpreet Singh had earlier lashed a shot wide of the target after good build up play by Garbett.
But those attacks were it on a day where defence was the focus for New Zealand, as they touched the ball just four times in the attacking penalty area, had just 28 per-cent possession and won only a single corner.
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Former Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC goalkeeper Alex Paulsen was subbed on in the 85th minute and was immediately called into action as he saved from Anthony Gordon.
Ivan Toney’s blushes were saved by the offside flag in stoppage time as he missed an unmarked volley.
The match was filled with former Isuzu Ute A-League players, with Wellington’s Tim Payne and Sarpreet Singh the only current players in New Zealand’s starting XI.
2025-26 season players Alex Rufer, Jesse Randall, Francis De Vries, Kosta Barbarouses, Lachlan Bayliss, Callan Elliot and Nando Pijanker all featured off the bench.
New Zealand’s first game in Group G against Iran is on Tuesday, June 16 at 1pm NZST and 11am AEST, while England’s opening Group L game against Croatia is at 6am AEST on Thursday June 18.
