Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: England-New Zealand, likely lineups

On Saturday night at 10 p.m. Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, will be the backdrop for the fascinating friendly match between England and New Zealand. For the British selection led by Thomas Tuchel, this will be the penultimate match before the whistle blows for the 2026 World Cup, a golden opportunity to banish pessimism after recent March missteps against Uruguay and Japan. On the other hand, for Darren Bazeley’s All Whites this match represents the very last and crucial test to find the right match rhythm ahead of the World Cup, in which they will participate thanks to the direct slot allocated to Oceania. However, the New Zealand national team is called upon to redeem a negative trend of eight defeats in their last 10 outings, including the heavy 4-0 loss suffered a few days ago against Haiti.

Thomas Tuchel chooses a very offensive team. In front of Pickford, the rearguard will consist of James, Konsa, Guéhi and O’Reilly. In the midfield, Mainoo will partner Anderson, while in the three-quarter, Rogers, Bellingham and Rashford will have the task of triggering the immovable offensive reference point, Harry Kane.

Darren Bazeley responds with a specular form. Crocombe will defend the posts, protected in the center by Surman and Bindon, with Payne and Cacace as full-backs. The midfield dyke will see Stamenic act alongside Rufer, leaving Just, McCowatt and Randall to support the lone striker and captain Chris Wood.

Probable formations

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Mainoo; Rogers, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane. All. Tuchel.

New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Bindon, Cacace; Stamenic, Rufer; Just, McCowatt, Randall; Wood. All. Darren Bazeley.