New Zealand’s early team news
New Zealand may welcome back Joe Bell who missed their previous outing with a leg injury but Ryan Thomas is set to remain absent.
Tim Payne, the World Cup’s so-called “least known player” who has since gone mega-viral, is set to start.
England’s early team news
Thomas Tuchel’s squad is yet to be at full strength with Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke being given more time to recuperate after the Champions League final.
Kobbie Mainoo could start in Rice’s absence while Morgan Rogers may operate on the right, allowing him to share the pitch with Jude Bellingham ahead of their battle for the central role.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8.15pm. It can also be streamed on ITVX.
When is England vs New Zealand?
England’s clash with New Zealand kicks off at 9pm BST on Saturday 6 June and the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
England vs New Zealand
Thomas Tuchel’s side landed in Miami earlier this week, gearing up for their bid to end 60 years without a major international trophy.
Good evening!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup!
Here we are at last. The domestic season is over and the build-up to this summer’s prime event has begun.
England have landed in the United States and will play two warm up matches from their pre-tournament camp in Miami before heading over to their Kansas base for the start of the World Cup campaign.
The first warm up match is this evening when the Three Lions take on New Zealand.
How many of Thomas Tuchel’s plans will be revealed and will the squad be fresh enough to hit their peaks after such a lengthy season?
We’ll find that out and more as the countdown to the World Cup continues. Stick with us for all the line-ups and build up from tonight’s contest as well as the latest news from the England camp.
