All Whites v England player ratings: The big name who could miss out on contentious starting spot
Elijah Just (from left), Max Crocombe and Tim Payne in action for the All Whites against England. Photo / Photosport
How New Zealand players rated in their 1-0 World Cup warm-up defeat to England in Tampa.
1. Max Crocombe – 7
Justified his selection with several sharp saves and crucial deflections. He will be disappointed to have conceded on the stroke of halftime, but his overall performance should be enough to secure the starting spot for New Zealand’s World Cup opener against Iran, ahead of Alex Paulsen.
2. Tim Payne – 6
Was kept busy during his time on the field, but handled his defensive duties well enough and did enough to retain the starting right back spot.
14. Finn Surman – 6
Had the tough assignment of marking Harry Kane and did a solid job containing the England captain. Could perhaps have been better positioned to prevent Kane’s goal, but was otherwise composed, physical and reliable at the back.
5. Michael Boxall – 6
Strong and reliable at the back, defending the box well throughout. To keep pace with England’s youthful attack at 37 years of age was particularly impressive, underlining his experience and enduring quality.
13. Liberato Cacace – 5
Looked composed and assured with the ball at his feet and England appeared to identify him as a genuine threat, making life difficult for him at times. Was beaten for pace on the outside on a few occasions, but still had some positive moments. Played under a minutes restriction after an injury-disrupted season.
6. Joe Bell – 6
After missing the Haiti match, the midfielder returned on limited minutes as he builds towards New Zealand’s tournament opener. Produced some tidy passes and was a vocal presence in midfield throughout his time on the pitch.
8. Marco Stamenić – 6
Strong and dependable in midfield, with a hand in much of New Zealand’s attacking play. His composure and workrate stood out and he looks a vital piece of the puzzle if the All Whites are to have any hope of progressing.
7. Matt Garbett – 6
Put in plenty of effort, competed well in the challenge and tested the goalkeeper with a well-struck effort in the first half that was saved.
10. Sarpreet Singh – 4
A tough night at the office in an otherwise quiet performance. Produced a few tidy passes, but struggled to make a significant impact and was pinged for four fouls.
11. Elijah Just – 7
Made several positive runs down the wing and delivered some well-weighted through balls to put New Zealand in promising attacking positions. Created a couple of chances and provided a useful outlet going forward.
9. Chris Wood – 6
Found himself in some promising positions during the first half, but was too often left without the support he needed to turn them into genuine opportunities. Had little service after the break as England’s defenders did an excellent job of limiting his space and shutting him down.
Substitutes
1. Alex Paulsen – 6
Came on for a brief cameo and was called into action for one routine save. His limited involvement suggests Crocombe remains the front-runner to start in goal for New Zealand’s World Cup opener against Iran.
3. Francis de Vries – 5
Made an immediate impact off the bench, delivering a long-range free kick into the box that put England’s defence under pressure. Also spent time in midfield, which was an interesting tactical choice.
4. Tyler Bindon – 5
Strong and physical after coming on to replace Tim Payne. Settled in well at right back and did a solid job containing England’s pacey wingers.
15. Nando Pijnaker – 4
Came on for the last few minutes of the match. Didn’t have much involvement.
24. Callan Elliot – 4
Got five minutes out on the field, although did have some nice touches in those brief moments.
14. Alex Rufer – 5
Came on for Joe Bell to start the second half and was decent without being spectacular. Made a couple of tackles and was fairly accurate passing the ball.
19. Ben Old – 7
Brought a spark off the bench and played some nice passes down the left wing. Remained at left back even after Francis de Vries entered the game, which may offer a clue as to how New Zealand intend to use him during the campaign.
20. Callum McCowatt – 4
Came on late in the match and attempted a long-range shot, which was blocked by the England defence.
25. Lachlan Bayliss – 4
A player it would have been nice to see get more minutes, but the opportunity never really arose.
17. Kosta Barbarouses – 4
Came on for Wood and had no chances with the ball.
21. Jesse Randall – 6
His pace was notable coming off the bench. Ran on to some nice through balls down the threatening left edge.
Unused players: 22. Michael Woud,26. Tommy Smith,23. Ryan Thomas, 18. Ben Waine
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.