Thomas Tuchel frustrated by England’s ‘freestyling’ in World Cup preparations as New Zealand boss says ‘they will have to be better’ | Football news

Thomas Tuchel was angered by England’s “freestyle” game in the first half against New Zealand as the preparations for the World Cup ended with a 1-0 victory in the tense conditions of Florida.

Harry Kane scored one goal just before half-time, heading home a Djed Spence cross at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Tuchel fielded a different XI for each half in the first of two pre-tournament warm-ups and liked much of what he saw in the second half, frustrated by the approach of some of the forwards.

“I’m fine with it,” England coach Tuchel said after the win. “I’m not happy about that. I liked the second half more than the first half.

“I think we bit more in the second half, we were more aggressive on and off the ball, we created another chance. Good chances in the half and good penetration in the box. We played a lot from our positions and that’s why we played with speed.

“The first half we weren’t in places and it was too much freestyle. That slowed our game down and made it difficult for us to counter-press because we weren’t in the places we wanted to be when we started attacking, so that’s the story of the game.”

‘England needs to be better,’ said the opposition manager

Tuchel’s team were always expected to beat New Zealand, the team ranked lowest in the World Cup, but their England coach Darren Bazeley says his country must improve to be successful this summer.

“I think that many countries, including England today, when they play their first match, they want to get everyone good minutes, get used to it, move their legs to the World Cup,” he said.

“England was good today, but they need to be better to win the World Cup than they were today, even though they won the game.”

Tuchel was at least pleased that his side were exposed to “really hot” conditions – and was relieved that his players emerged unscathed from what appeared to be a repulsive pitch.

“It was very difficult to play,” said Tuchel. “We have no injuries and there were no worries but it was uneven, uneven. It was difficult to move the ball and move the ball quickly. If you have the ball for most of the game, it doesn’t help you.

“We have four training sessions together and we mixed the team completely, so we have never played in these combinations and formations. Then you have the conditions, the field, it can look like this.”

Tuchel’s message to the players?

Rob Dorsett for Sky Sports News:

“It was a flat Thomas Tuchel who came to talk to us after the game, but I wonder if he was kicking his players back.

“I don’t think the playing was that bad. These were the hottest conditions England have faced so far – 35 degrees – and they had to split up as they played two different XIs. These games are never blockbusters.

“I was impressed with Djed Spence, Marcus Rashford looked in good shape and Jude Bellingham was a Rolls Royce when he came on.

“Harry Kane’s 79th England goal was the highlight – that’s the goal that puts him level with Neymar in internationals. He told me afterwards that he’s never felt in such good shape.

“Arsenal’s Champions League quartet are now in the US and that gives Tuchel a complete list to choose from in the final friendly against Costa Rica. He expects more than what is shown here; he has a job to do.”