England vs New Zealand should be a highly entertaining international friendly as these two sides gear up for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by facing each other at the Raymond James Stadium on Friday evening.
The England vs New Zealand clash should be an action-packed encounter as these two sides look to find their strengths and improve their preparation for the World Cup.
The Three Lions are determined to get some momentum on their side by winning their friendly games before the World Cup, while New Zealand look to pull off a huge upset to raise their momentum levels ahead of the major tournament.
Match Details
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida
Saturday, 6 June
20:00 GMT
Confident England Looks For Dominant Pre-World Cup Win Over Shaken New Zealand
The England vs New Zealand clash should be an entertaining watch for fans, given the lack of pressure on both sides, knowing this is only a friendly game!
As a result, they’ll be compelled to take risks and try out different variations to their playing styles in preparation for the World Cup.
England boss Thomas Tuchel might’ve faced some criticism over his squad selection for the 2026 World Cup, but he’ll be determined to silence doubters in the next month or so.
The Three Lions have won three of their last five international matches and are determined to get back to winning ways after suffering an embarrassing loss to Japan in their previous match.
Tuchel will urge his side to play with freedom to show off the might of their attacking prowess and be at their clinical best to snatch a high-scoring win.
New Zealand, meanwhile, are having really poor preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They have lost four of their last five games, including an embarrassing 4-0 thrashing by Haiti in their previous game.
Darren Bazeley will aim to shape up his side to be defensively resilient against the Three Lions and also be clinical on the transitions to try and snatch a win.
England have, incidentally, won both their matches against New Zealand in international football and aim to make it three-in-a-row with a big win in their upcoming clash.
Energised Anthony Gordon Determined To Snatch World Cup Starting Role For England
For Anthony Gordon, the last few weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster ride.
Not only was he named in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup, but the English winger also earned a blockbuster transfer to FC Barcelona, rather than joining Bayern Munich.
Now, he faces a stiff fight for that left-wing position for the Three Lions from ex-Barcelona winger Marcus Rashford!
Gordon has already bagged 17 caps and two goals for England, and he’s coming into the World Cup in North America after a solid season with Newcastle United.
Gordon scored 17 goals and provided five assists in the 2025/26 season for Newcastle, and it’s his goal-scoring acumen that should compel Tuchel to play him on the left wing against New Zealand.
The Englishman will aim to make good use of his pace and trickery to get past defenders, but he needs to be extremely compelling in his finishing and overall final product to earn Tuchel’s trust and a starting role at the World Cup.
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Wily Chris Wood Aiming To Make Statement Against England
Chris Wood is going to be a driving force for New Zealand in their 2026 World Cup matches, and he will look to get back to his best following a poor season with Nottingham Forest.
He only played 15 games for the Reds last season, being forced out of action for over four months because of a knee injury. Wood only scored three goals for Forest, including one in their final five matches of the campaign.
However, nobody can deny the kind of clinical goal-scorer that Wood is. He has scored 45 goals in 89 caps for New Zealand, and there will be a lot of responsibilities laid on his shoulders.
The 34-year-old striker will aim to get some momentum on his side by tormenting the England defenders with his physicality and movement, but he’ll need to be at his efficient best to help New Zealand get a surprise result against England.
England vs New Zealand Injuries
England Injuries: Tino Livramento
New Zealand Injuries: None
England vs New Zealand Predicted Lineups
England Predicted XI: Jordan Pickford (GK), Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane
New Zealand Predicted XI: Alex Paulsen (GK), Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Callan Elliot, Marko Stamenic, Matthew Garbett, Ryan Thomas, Elijah Just, Jesse Randall, Chris Wood
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
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