England vs New Zealand
Thomas Tuchel’s England continue their World Cup 2026 preparations on Saturday when they meet New Zealand in Tampa; an International Friendly game I’m sure the Three Lions will expect to win.
England are hoping to end a 60-year curse when they embark on their World Cup journey in the USA at their 17th finals. The 1966 win over Germany at Wembley Stadium, England’s finest hour is becoming a more distant memory by the year and fans in the UK will once again believe that this can be their year. The biggest challenge will come from Euro 2024 champions Spain, France and Argentina and Brazil and my fear, as an England fan, is that they will be fine until their meet one of the best teams, probably at the semi-final stage.
But hope springs eternal!
In contrast, Darren Bazeley’s New Zealand are just happy to be at football’s biggest show. They earned their place with a faultless campaign, winning the Oceania Football Confederation qualifiers, with a win over New Caledonia confirming their place.
Talking Points
Tuchel is looking for togetherness in England
The Three Lions will face their old foes of Croatia, as well as Panama and Ghana, and the World Cup 2026 betting odds say Tuchel’s team will navigate that group in some comfort.
Some of the biggest World Cup 2026 news, in the run up so far, has been Tuchel’s tough stance in his selections, leaving some big names, and maybe big egos, out of his squad. Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire, who amusingly vented his rage on social media, have all been left at home. These were brave decisions, but they make sense as none of the above have covered themselves in glory for England over the past 12 months, and there are plenty of young guns ready to take their places.
Tuchel is looking for a united team, and they will be behind their captain as one. Harry Kane has been simply sensational in the Bundesliga this term, and with 78 goals in 112 games for England the 32-year-old goal machine is the go-to man when the team needs a boost. Supply will come from Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka on the flanks while Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is one of the new generation, along with Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly who has been imperious for the Sky Blues as a dominant midfielder with the knack of scoring crucial goals.
And look out for Liverpool’s 17-year-old wonderkid Rio Ngumoha; could this be a year for a new England star to emerge?
Chris Wood the Kiwi legend
New Zealand have found themselves in a fascinating group, alongside Iraq, Egypt and Belgium, the standout team which has hopes of going deep into the competition. The Kiwis will need to come up with some special moments to work their way out of the group. Top two will surely be out of reach, but one of the best third-placed teams is not out of the question with a proven top-flight goal-getter in their ranks.
Premier League fans will know centre forward Chris Wood, New Zealand’s leader and match-winner.
With 45 goals in 89 appearances the Nottingham Forest striker is his country’s top scorer and most-capped player, and he has prolonged his Premier League career at Forest after five successful campaigns with Burnley, as a trusted double-figures forward. He had a year at Newcastle but has found his best form in the East Midlands, scoring 37 goals in 82 games.
Alongside Port Vale’s 24-year-old striker Ben Waine, Wood will try to shake up the England defence while 25-year-old wingback Liberto Cacace is a player to watch. After three successful years with Empoli in Italy, he moved to Wrexham in the English Championship and has a wicked delivery which Wood will look out for.
History
England last met New Zealand in 1991 in two exhibition matches but they have yet to meet in a competitive match; little wonder as this is only the Kiwi’s third appearance at a World Cup finals.
England won seven out of eight matches in 2025 but are yet to win in 2026, drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and losing 1-0 to Japan in two largely uninspiring friendlies, while New Zealand have won just two games across 2025 and 2026, losing eight and drawing one.
Betting Tip
Anything other than an England win would be unthinkable on Saturday and at SBOTOP odds of 1.15 it looks pretty much nailed on. New Zealand are at 17.00 and the draw is 7.40. If this was a cricket match it would be a close run thing, but at football it is Goliath ready to smash David out of the park…unless Wood gets in the way.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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