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Thomas Tuchel was disappointed with England’s “freestyle” first-half display against New Zealand as World Cup warm-ups won 1-0 in Florida.
Harry Kane scored the only goal Just before the break, Tampa spontaneously steered a DZ Spence cross into a sparsely packed Raymond James Stadium.
Tuchel played a different XI in each half In the first of two warm-up games before the tournament and from the second half he liked more of what he saw, leaving some players disappointed by the previous approach.
Tuchel watched England lose 1-0 against New Zealand before the World Cup
“I’m fine with it,” England boss Tuchel said after the narrow win. “I’m not too happy with it. I liked the second half better than the first half.
“I think in the second half we had more bite, were more aggressive on and off the ball, created a bit more. Some good half chances and some good penetration into the box. We played more from our positions and therefore we played with more pace.
“In the first half we were out of position and it was a bit more freestyle. It slowed our game down and made it difficult to counter-press because we weren’t in the position we wanted to be when we started the attack, so that’s basically the story of the match.”
Ken celebrates scoring against New Zealand
‘England have to be better,’ says opposition boss
Tuchel’s side were always expected to beat the lowest-ranked New Zealand at the World Cup, but their England head coach Darren Bezeley says his homeland will need to improve if they are to succeed this summer.
“I think most countries, including England, playing their first game today, they want everyone to get good minutes, to adapt, to step up to the World Cup,” he said.
“England were good today, but even if they win the game they have to be better than today to win the World Cup.”
Tuchel was at least delighted that his team faced “really, really hot” conditions – and relieved that his players emerged unscathed on what appeared to be a patched-up pitch.
“It was very difficult to play,” said Tuchel. “We had no injuries and no worries but it was very uneven, very uneven. It was difficult to move the ball and move the ball quickly. When you have the ball for most of the match, it doesn’t help you.
“We’ve had four training sessions together and we’ve mixed the team completely, so we’ve never played in this combination and formation before. Then your situation, the pitch, it could look like this.”
Tuckell’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 the goalscorer said he didn’t feel as good but manager Thomas Tuchel said he expected more from his players.
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett:
“It was very flat Thomas Tuchel who came to talk to us after the game, but I wonder if he was kicking his players in the rear.
“I don’t think the performance was that bad. England faced the hottest conditions ever – 35 degrees – and playing two different XIs meant it was split. These games are never blockbusters.
“I was really impressed with DJ Spence, Marcus Rashford looked in the mood and Jude Bellingham was a Rolls Royce when he arrived.
“Harry Kane’s 79th England goal was the highlight – the goal that brought him level with Neymar in international games. He told me afterwards that he had never felt so good.
“Arsenal’s Champions League quartet are now in the US and that gives Tuchel a full list to pick for the final friendly against Costa Rica. He expects more than a lackluster showing here; then there’s work to be done.”
