Thomas Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with England’s “freestyle” performance in the first half of their 1-0 victory over New Zealand in Tampa, though he praised Jude Bellingham’s impact as a substitute. Harry Kane’s goal just before half-time proved decisive in a lacklustre friendly at Raymond James Stadium, England’s penultimate warm-up match before the World Cup.
“I’m OK with it,” Tuchel said of the display. “I’m not super-happy about it. I like the second half more than the first half. We played more from our positions and that’s why we played with more speed and off the ball we played with a bit more bite. The first half we were out of positions and it was a bit too much freestyle.” The German coach explained that the “freestyling” mainly referred to positional issues, with players narrowing the pitch and slowing down attacks.
Tuchel noted other factors affecting England’s rhythm, including different XIs in each half, an awkward pitch, and challenging heat. “We had one training in the sun and now this match felt really, really odd,” he said. “But it’s good that we’re exposed because that’s why we’re here. We wanted it that way and we need to get used to it because it will come at some point.”
Bellingham, who replaced Morgan Rogers at half-time and wore the captain’s armband, impressed Tuchel. “Jude has the decisiveness and he has the bite,” the manager said. “You can see that he comes back from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch. He’s in a sweet spot.” Kane’s 79th international goal underlined his importance, with Tuchel adding: “He’s always there to score. It’s a decisive goal. Harry is in top shape.”
Kane himself expressed pride in leading England into another World Cup. “Playing for England is my favourite thing to do,” he said. “I wear the shirt with immense pride, I wear the armband with immense pride. To be able to lead another group of guys into another World Cup is obviously a special feeling. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt and it can’t come soon enough.” England face Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday in their final warm-up game before the tournament begins.
