England Take On New Zealand in International Friendly: What to Expect, Bold Predictions, and Starting Lineups Revealed

Following a flawless 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, England's March friendlies—a stalemate with Uruguay and a surprising loss to Japan—are ones they'd rather put behind them.

Luckily, the Three Lions have one last opportunity to regroup before the tournament begins, with two additional warm-up games scheduled, the first of which pits them against New Zealand on Saturday, June 6 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

With Thomas Tuchel's squad now finalized (debatable exclusions notwithstanding) and having accumulated valuable time together on the training ground, this fixture offers a genuine glimpse of what England supporters can anticipate this summer. Can they finally replicate the glory of 1966, or will it be yet another story of unfulfilled potential?

Here's everything you need to know about the friendly against New Zealand, including likely line-ups and viewing information.

England vs. New Zealand Score Prediction

England to Run Riot

Sure, England had a rough time back in March, but Tuchel was still tinkering with his squad at that stage. This time around, things should look considerably different.

The German tactician will be keen to send a message ahead of the tournament, and New Zealand represents an ideal opportunity to do exactly that.

While the All Whites, much like England, sailed through OFC qualifying without conceding a single goal, they were exposed against tougher competition in their opening warm-up friendly against Haiti, going down 4–0—a scoreline that hints their first World Cup appearance since 2010 could be a short-lived one.

Realistically, England will be expected to surpass that margin, or the notoriously demanding English press will inevitably start asking uncomfortable questions.

Anticipate a commanding display—and a convincing victory.

Prediction: England 5–0 New Zealand

England Predicted Lineup vs. New Zealand

Tuchel does not have the benefit of a fully available squad for the clash with New Zealand, and will consequently be forced to make adjustments from what is likely his preferred World Cup starting eleven.

Arsenal contingent Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke will be absent, having been given extended recovery time following their participation in last weekend's Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain, and are only expected to join the England setup next week.

With those players unavailable, the right-wing berth is essentially open for competition, potentially seeing Morgan Rogers deployed there, or Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford shifting across from the left to fill the vacancy.

Beyond that, Tuchel is still anticipated to name a strong side—Harry Kane spearheading the attack, Jude Bellingham operating in the No.10 role, Elliot Anderson anchoring midfield and Marc Guéhi partnering Ezri Konsa at center back. Substitutions are expected in the second half, both to give squad players a final chance to stake their claim and to carefully manage fitness ahead of the tournament.

England predicted lineup vs. New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guéhi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Mainoo; Rashford, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

New Zealand Predicted Lineup vs. England

In the wake of the 4–0 hammering by Haiti, New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley is anticipated to ring the changes for the encounter with England.

Millwall shot-stopper Max Crocombe is set to take over from Alex Paulsen in goal, while experienced defender Michael Boxall could be brought into the heart of defence to inject much-needed leadership and composure.

In the middle of the park, Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell remain unavailable through injury, with only the latter carrying any realistic chance of a return. That could pave the way for Marko Stamenic and Matthew Garbett to earn starting berths, while Ben Old may come in for Jesse Randall on the flank.

Chris Wood will, as always, lead the attack up front.

New Zealand predicted lineup vs. England (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Bindon, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; Just, Singh, Old; Wood.

What Time Does England vs. New Zealand Kick Off?

How to Watch England vs. New Zealand on TV, Live Stream