All Whites v England: Harry Kane goal sinks NZ side in final Fifa World Cup warm-up

A Harry Kane goal – late in first-half injury time - was decisive and proved enough for the world’s fourth-ranked nation.

England were dominant, with plenty of opportunities, but this wasn’t the one-sided contest some may have been expecting.

Instead, New Zealand punched above their weight, especially in the first half, creating several promising opportunities.

The best was to Matt Garbett – who forced Jordan Pickford into a full-length save at his far post – while other crosses fell short of their intended target.

They also managed some neat passages of play, with clever passing and movement.

But – and this is a big but – the manner of Kane’s goal will hurt. After working so hard, the All Whites switched off for a moment in the shadows of halftime and were punished.

It was a terrible time to concede. That changed the match, as England were starting to get frustrated, and New Zealand were always going to tire in the sizzling conditions.

Centre back Finn Surman was outstanding, surely sealing his spot for the World Cup opener, while Michael Boxall wasn’t far behind in a great rearguard effort. Garbett also staked a claim for the left-wing spot, while the central midfield were impressive.

Despite the smaller crowd than expected of 25,889, there was a tremendous atmosphere. England fans brought their usual colour, under the Florida sun, before Don’t Look Back in Anger blared out just before kickoff.

The All Whites made a nervous start, as Liberato Cacace conceded a corner, then goalkeeper Max Crocombe threw the ball over the sideline trying to find his fullback.

But they settled, headed by defensive starch. Joe Bell cleared off the line and Boxall was winning headers. And after some early pressure, there were chances. A great turn from Marko Stamenic created space, before Elijah Just was away, but his early cross was too strong.

But that was the boost they needed. Minutes later, Chris Wood almost managed to cut inside, after being released by Cacace, before Garbett got free on the right with an overlapping run but there was no one at the far post for his cross.

Sarpreet Singh sent a shot wide, when a cross for Wood lurking at the far post seemed a better option.

But England were dangerous. Ollie Watkins scuffed his shot after getting away, before Kane stung the palms of Crocombe.

After a difficult night after Haiti, Surman was in everything, at one point making two vital blocks and a crucial clearing header in what felt like a minute.

New Zealand’s best first-half moments came either side of the 30-minute mark.

The energetic Garbett got free just over halfway, sprinting away before unleashing a shot that Pickford was at full stretch to palm away.

Soon afterwards came a long passing sequence – with some nice movement – something that would have been a dream against such opposition 20 or 30 years ago – but it ended meekly, with an errant pass over the sideline.

However, England dominated the remainder of the half, forcing New Zealand to retreat. A Kane header was tipped over – after Marcus Rashford eluded Tim Payne – while both Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo sent shots over the bar from handy positions. The All Whites were then over-elaborate in their own area and almost punished, but Rashford couldn’t hit the target.

In a rare attack at this point, Just got free on the left flank but his cross wasn’t accurate enough to find Wood at the far post.

But it had been an impressive half, until Kane’s intervention. It was a poor concession.

Garbett, who had been lively, failed to close down the cross from Djed Spence and Kane – arguably the greatest goalscorer of his generation – got between Boxall and Surman with a precise flicked header.

That sent off celebrations from the massed England support, while the All Whites’ shoulders slumped, knowing it was such a costly time to concede.

As signalled, England changed their full XI at halftime, while Alex Rufer came on for Bell. The second half was mostly a defensive effort, with the All Whites forced deeper and deeper and possession harder to come by.

And the England reinforcements were top drawer; Anthony Gordon was skimming across the ground, while Jude Bellingham showed his class when needed.

Tall centre back Dan James sent a header just wide – after Crocombe couldn’t claim a cross. The referee pointed to the spot after Garbett brought down Ivan Toney, before the decision was reversed for offside, to New Zealand’s relief.

But England were dominant, though the All Whites did well to get blocks and tackles in. Ben Old added energy when brought on at left back, though Jesse Randall didn’t see much possession on either flank. Ivan Toney had a late chance but put it wide, as New Zealand hustled until the end.

All Whites 0

England 1 (Harry Kane 45+2)

HT: 0-1

Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.

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