Harry Kane netted the game's only goal as England laboured under the Florida sun against New Zealand, with Jude Bellingham one of few players to catch the eye before the World Cup23:55, 06 Jun 2026Thomas Tuchel took his England team halfway around the world only to be reminded of what we already knew.‌The Three Lions have got no chance without Harry Kane at this World Cup as the England captain scored the winner for his 79th goal on his 113rd cap. And anyone who thinks England are better off without Jude Bellingham must be watching a very different ball game.‌It was a bizarre exercise under the searing Florida sun as England fielded different starting XIs in the first and second half which meant it was a pretty unsatisfactory experience. But Kane’s glancing header in first half injury time was enough to secure victory in Tuchel’s first warm-up game ahead of this campaign.‌Then, after all change at half time, Bellingham came on and just stole the show as he showed his class with his skill, vision and quality.On this evidence, Bellingham absolutely has to start against Croatia on June 17 and, interestingly, Tuchel also gave him the captain’s armband which might serve as a vote of confidence.This was a welcome to England’s World Cup campaign. It was 90 degree heat pitch side, the sun was beating down in the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and beer cost nearly 14 quid.‌The pitch was only laid last week - especially for this game - and you could see the joins like a bad decorator making a mess of the wallpapering.New Zealand are ranked 85th by FIFA which is the lowest at this World Cup and were battered 4-0 by Haiti the other day so this was supposed to be more of a workout than a test for Tuchel’s men.‌Tuchel made it clear that he was going to give his players 45 minutes each but it is only natural to look at the starting line-up and think that might be an indicator for England’s opening Group match with Croatia on June 17.There was Harry Kane up front. Jordan Pickford in goal. John Stones and Marc Guehi in defence. The Arsenal quartet - Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke - only join in after this game, having been given an extra week off after the Champions League final.But the big question and dilemma is who starts: Morgan Rogers or Jude Bellingham? This time, it was Rogers. And bearing in mind, relationships have to be built between players, it did feel a little significant.‌Rogers played just behind Kane and that might be a clue as to who is in Tuchel’s mind and, never mind what anyone else thinks, that is all that matters.The only problem in this theory is that Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence started in the full back positions and, with great respect, neither are going to start against Croatia in Dallas.‌And their chances looked even more remote after this. They were both caught out on the break and offered little going forward.The players who really stood out were Jordan Henderson who looked sharp. Marcus Rashford was menacing and Kane looked super fit even if he tended to drop deep in search of the ball.Kane forced a good save from New Zealand Max Crocombe. Kane saw another effort tipped over while Watkins miscued after going through.‌The best effort in a frustrating first half actually came from Matt Garbutt whose curling shot forced a good save from Pickford.But, when all else fails, England can always rely on Kane. Sure enough, Kane delivered in first half injury time. Spence did his trademark trick, switched inside onto his favoured right foot, sent over a cross from the left and there was Kane to glance home.‌Tuchel did as he promised at half time: the England boss changed all 11 players. It was mix-and-match from then on. Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha got a game and he is only one of the four training players. Dan Burn headed against the outside of a post.Bellingham immediately made the biggest impact of all the substitutes. He got the biggest cheer and also looked a cut above with his passing, vision and intent. He was also given the captain’s armband.It ended 1-0 and was certainly not one to be remembered. Other than for Kane and Bellingham.Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.