All Whites fall 1–0 to England as World Cup opener against Iran looms

Kane strike sinks All Whites in final World Cup tune-up

Your New Zealand side fell 1–0 to England in Florida on Tuesday, with Harry Kane getting the only goal. It was a tight, disciplined performance from the All Whites against a heavily scrutinised England team still figuring itself out under new boss Thomas Tuchel (1).

No shame in a single-goal loss to a team packed with Premier League talent. The bigger picture is clear – this was the dress rehearsal, and now the real thing starts.

Iran up next – seven days to the big one

New Zealand's World Cup opener is locked in: Iran on 16 June. That is the match that matters, and the countdown is officially on (2).

Tuchel was blunt after the friendly – his side is "way too open" and needs sharpening. For New Zealand, pushing England to the final whistle without unravelling is a decent place to be heading into the tournament.