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.