England finally opened their 2026 victory column with a hard-fought 1-0 win over New Zealand in Florida’s intense heat.
The Three Lions dominated early but struggled to convert, with John Stones somehow heading wide when completely unmarked after Rashford’s corner and Marcus Rashford’s shot brilliantly blocked by Surman. Despite 84.5% possession in the opening nine minutes, England had managed just one shot on target alongside New Zealand’s.
The breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time when Djed Spence, who earned his first England assist, whipped a lovely cross into the box for Harry Kane to rise and guide a deft header into the far corner at 45+2′. Kane’s goal made New Zealand the 35th different opponent he’s scored against for England.
England recorded 4 shots on target versus New Zealand’s 1. The second half saw eight England attempts without testing goalkeeper Crocombe. Debutant Rio Ngumoha, at 17 years 281 days, became England’s fifth-youngest debutant.
England will face Costa Rica on June 10 in their final warm-up before the World Cup begins against Croatia on June 17. They compete in Group L with Panama, Ghana, and Croatia.