England 1-0 New Zealand: five talking points from the World Cup warm-up | Jacob Steinberg

1 Kane is the key to success England may as well pack their bags and go home if Harry Kane picks up an injury. The captain laboured through Euro 2024, leaving some to wonder if his international career was winding down, but there is no doubting his importance before the World Cup. It had to be Kane calming the nerves as England warmed up with a win over New Zealand in testing conditions in Tampa. It was slow going for much of the first half – the heat, an uneven surface and a disjointed team selection from Thomas Tuchel were complications – but Kane would not be denied. The striker dropped deep, turning and testing Max Crocombe from long range. He had a header tipped over. Half-time approached and New Zealand, the lowest-ranked side at the World Cup, were holding firm. Yet class told. Djed Spence crossed from the left and Kane was clever, using the pace of the ball to guide a beautiful glancing header past Crocombe. Harry Kane became England’s all-time leading goalscorer in 2023. Photograph: Dave Shopland/Shutterstock The 32-year-old is not slowing down. It was Kane’s 79th goal for England . The numbers are astonishing, the output relentless. Kane has no equal in this squad. England toiled when he was missing in March. They need their record goalscorer to stay fit. 2 Bellingham takes the armband and outshines Rogers It was smart man management from Tuchel to give the captain’s armband to Jude Bellingham when the midfielder came on at half-time. …