Thomas Tuchel was left frustrated by England’s “freestyle” first half performance against New Zealand as their World Cup preparations cruised to a 1-0 win in sweltering Florida conditions.
Harry Kane instinctively slotted home a Jed Spence cross just before the end of the game at Tampa’s deserted Raymond James Stadium to score the only goal.
Tuchel played a different XI in each half in the first of two warm-up games before the tournament and preferred what he saw in the second half as he was frustrated with the early approach of some of his players.
Tuchel watched England secure a 1-0 win over New Zealand ahead of the World Cup.
“I’m fine,” said England coach Tuchel after the narrow victory. “I’m not very happy. The second half was better than the first.
“I think we were more aggressive in the second half, more aggressive on and off the ball and created a bit more. We had some good half chances and good penetrations into the box as well. We played more in our positions and that’s why we played at a faster pace.
“In the first half we were out of position and had too many freestyles. When we started attacking we weren’t where we wanted to be, which slowed the game down and made counter-pressing difficult. That’s basically the story of the game.”
Kane celebrates scoring against New Zealand.
Opposition leader: England must do better
Tuchel’s side were always expected to beat bottom-placed New Zealand at the World Cup, but England coach Darren Bazley said his country needs to go further if they are to succeed this summer.
“I think most countries today, including England, when they play their first game, they want everyone to have a good time, to settle in and to be able to move forward towards the World Cup,” he said.
“England performed well today, but even though they won the game, they have to be better than they were today to win the World Cup.”
Tuchel was at least pleased his team was exposed to “really, really hot” conditions and was relieved his players emerged safe from the patched pitch.
“It was very difficult to play,” Tuchel said. “No injuries, no worries, but it was very bumpy and bumpy. It was difficult to move the ball and move the ball quickly. For most games, having the ball doesn’t help you.
“We had four training sessions together and a complete mix of the team, so we have never played with these combinations and formations before, so the conditions and pitch can look like this.”
What is Tuchel’s message to the players?
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Rob Dorsett spoke to Harry Kane after England’s 1-0 win over New Zealand, and while the scorer said he had never felt so good, manager Thomas Tuchel said he expects more from his players.
Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports News:
“It was a very flat Thomas Tuchel who spoke to us after the game, but I wonder if he is holding his players back.
“I don’t think the performance was that bad. These were the hottest conditions England have ever faced (35 degrees) and he was playing two different XIs so there was no choice but to be separated. This game is by no means a blockbuster.
“I was really impressed with Djed Spence, Marcus Rashford looked in good spirits and Jude Bellingham was like a Rolls Royce when he came on.
“Harry Kane’s 79th England goal was the highlight. It put him on par with Neymar on the international stage. He later told me he had never felt so good.
“Arsenal’s Champions League four-man squad is currently in the United States, which gives Tuchel a full squad ready for the final friendly against Costa Rica. He expects more than a lukewarm performance here. There is work to be done, then.”
