Bayern star Harry Kane shoots England to victory against New Zealand | OneFootball

Harry Kane remains England’s most important success factor just before the start of the World Cup. The FC Bayern striker scored the only goal of the game in the 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand and once again underlined his enormous importance to Thomas Tuchel’s team

The England national team successfully completed their penultimate test before the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel’s side beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa, but were only convincing in phases

As announced before the game, Tuchel used the match primarily to give as many players as possible game time. The England national coach changed his entire team at half-time and used a total of 22 players

Of course, one player was not to be left out: Harry Kane

The Bayern striker was on the pitch in the first half and showed once again why he is indispensable for England. While the Three Lions struggled for a long time against the defensively-minded New Zealanders, it was Kane of all people who made the difference shortly before the break

After a cross from Djed Spence, the 32-year-old headed the ball into the far corner to make it 1-0 in first-half stoppage time

It was Kane’s 79th goal in his 113th international match – an impressive tally that underlines his exceptional position in English soccer

Kane confirms his top form

The goal must have been particularly valuable for Thomas Tuchel, the former Bayern coach having recently emphasized on several occasions how important Kane is for England’s World Cup title hopes

After an outstanding season at FC Bayern, Kane is not only one of the favorites for the Golden Boot at the World Cup, but is also considered by many experts to be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or

Against New Zealand, he once again showed his enormous efficiency. Although England did not play to their limits and only created a few clear scoring chances, Kane was on hand at the decisive moment

Fittingly, his working day ended immediately after the goal and, as planned by Tuchel, the entire starting eleven was substituted at half-time

England still looking to find their World Cup rhythm

photo: IMAGO

Despite the success, the game also revealed that the Three Lions are not yet in top form, often lacking pace, creativity and precision in the final third against New Zealand, who have been in poor form of late

England’s second team showed commitment after the break, but were unable to extend their lead and chances were few and far between, partly because the visitors defended very deep

For Tuchel, it is clear that his team still has work to do before the World Cup opener against Croatia, with Wednesday’s match against Costa Rica providing the final opportunity to rehearse routines and clarify unresolved personnel issues

However, one thing has been confirmed once again: if England are to be successful on their way to the World Cup title, Harry Kane will play a key role

The Bayern goalscorer has been delivering consistently at the highest level for months – and also showed against New Zealand that he is ready to take on responsibility just in time for the start of the tournament.