◤International Friendly - Pre-World Cup warm-up match◢ Harry Kane scores as England narrowly defeated New Zealand by 1-0..

England narrowly defeated New Zealand by 1-0 in a pre-2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico warm-up match at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday.

In the first half, Kane scored with a header. In the second half, Burn's header unfortunately hit the post. Ultimately, England secured a 1-0 victory over New Zealand.

First Half

In the 17th minute, Marcus Rashford passes horizontally from the left wing. Harry Kane stopped the ball and adjusted his angle, before taking a right-footed long shot from outside the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Max Crocombe.

10 minutes later, New Zealand launched a quick counter-attack. Crocombe made a long pass from inside his own penalty area, Matthew Garbett quickly followed up, got the ball and dribbled to just outside of the penalty area before taking a right-footed long shot, but his shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.

In the 30th minute, Morgan Rodgers passed back from the center of the box. Kobbie Mainoo quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, took a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot flew high and went out of the pitch.

4 minutes later, Rashford crossed from the byline at the left side of the box. Kane rose high and attempted with a header from a very close distance of the box, however his efforr was tipped over the bar by Crocombe.

In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Djed Spence crossed into the from the left, where Kane rose high and headed the ball into the net, giving England a 1-0 lead! This was Kane's 79th goal for the Three Lions!

At halftime, England temporarily led New Zealand by 1-0.

Second Half

Both teams switched sides as the match continued. Liverpool's wonderkid Rio Ngumoha completed his senior international debut by coming on as a substitute, breaking the record by becoming the fifth youngest player in England's history to make his senior international debut.

In the 49th minute, England earned a corner opportunity. Reece James took the corner by crossing it into the box. Ivan Toney received the ball and passes horizontally in the box, Dan Burn rose high and attempted with a header in the box, however his effort unfortunately struck the bottom right corner of the post and bounced off. England missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead!

In the 82nd minute, England launched a quick counter-attack. Jude Bellingham intercepted the ball and took a few steps before taking left a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot flew high and went out of the pitch.

In the second minute of stoppage time, James crossed into the box from the right wing. Ivan Toney quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, volleyed with his right foot in the box, but his shot went wide of the left side of the post. However, the linesman immediately raised his flag for offside, so the goal would be ruled out even if he had scored!

When the final whistle is blown, England narrowly defeated New Zealand by 1-0.

Image source: Internet / BBC