Getting the final stint of their pre-World Cup preparations underway on Saturday night, England will meet New Zealand in Tampa.
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Starting with England, suffering even more major tournament heartbreak two years ago as they eventually fell to an infamous 2-1 loss at the hands of reigning European champions Spain, England have a huge amount of expectation on their shoulders this summer. While Thomas Tuchel&#league-update-for-6-4-26/">8217;s superstar squad might have travelled over to North America early, the Three Lions are searching for a much-welcomed boost in Tampa this weekend. Last seen signing off March’s international break with a toothless performance at Wembley as they were hit with a 1-0 defeat against Japan, the former Chelsea boss also saw his squad raise a string of eyebrows. Officially getting their World Cup adventure underway on June 17th when they meet Croatia, England will be desperate to lay down an early summer marker here.
Embarking on what was a record-breaking campaign with German giants Bayern Munich and widely regarded as a standout Ballon d’Or contender, talismanic skipper Harry Kane will feature in Tampa. Despite announcing that he will be leaving Manchester City this summer, Jon Stones should get some valuable minutes under his belt.
Suffering Champions League heartbreak with Arsenal last week, the duo of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka should play some part here. Enjoying a breakout campaign with Nottingham Forest, Elliot Anderson should partner Rice in the middle of the park.
New Zealand
As for New Zealand, set to embark on just their third World Cup adventure this summer, Darren Bazeley’s side certainly find the mood in their camp at a famous high. Although the All Whites might have signed off their FIFA series back on March 30th with a remarkable 4-1 romp against Chile, the one-time Watford defender saw his squad come crashing back down to earth in an immediate fashion earlier in the week. Putting in a nightmare performance as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming against fellow finalists Haiti, New Zealand have lost four of their previous five outings. More than aware that it would take a real miracle in the race to mount any kind of serious knockout stage charge this summer, Bazeley’s side couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge when they travel to Miami this weekend.
In what is certainly the most prominent name in New Zealand’s squad, talismanic skipper Chris Wood will lead the All Whites out in Tampa and looks set to earn a 90th international cap. Starting off on the bench against Haiti earlier in the week, Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe could return between the sticks.
Recently returning from a muscle injury, Wrexham defender Liberato Cacace will certainly get some more minutes under his belt. Finishing his first campaign with Championship outfit Swansea City, Marko Stamenic will start in the middle of the park.
England vs New Zealand Key Factors to Consider
- Saturday’s showdown in Tampa will be the first showdown between England and New Zealand.
- The Three Lions have not suffered a single defeat on foreign soil since their infamous EURO 24 final defeat against Spain in Berlin almost 24 months ago.
Each of England’s last four appearances across all competitions have finished with under 2.5 goals. - Including a 4-0 drumming against Haiti earlier in the week, New Zealand have lost four of their previous five outings.
- England skipper Harry Kane has bagged a staggering 58 goals across all competitions for Bayer Munich this season.
With under a fortnight until they get their World Cup adventure underway, England will be desperate to lay down a pre-tournament marker here. Seeking an immediate after signing off March’s international break with a shock 1-0 loss at home against Japan, Tuchel’s superstar squad will be seeking a routine performance when they arrive in Tampa this weekend. Meeting a New Zealand squad who were completely blown away earlier in the week as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming against Haiti, England are rightfully installed as a landslide favourite on Saturday.
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