Kane dismisses heat concerns as England open World Cup prep with win over New Zealand

Harry Kane headed England to a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in their opening World Cup warm-up match on Saturday, then brushed aside concerns that the sweltering American heat could hamper Thomas Tuchel’s side when the tournament gets underway.

The Three Lions faced the lowest-ranked side in the World Cup field on a patchwork pitch in 33-degree Celsius conditions, with Kane’s first-half header proving the difference. The goal was his 79th for England and took his combined club-and-country tally for the season to 67.

Despite the sticky surface and intense heat, Kane was relaxed about the conditions England will face throughout the summer. “To be honest, I don’t think the heat’s been too bad,” the Bayern Munich striker said. “Obviously, we’ve been getting used to it in training. After the first couple of days, I felt like most of the lads were used to it. Today actually didn’t feel terrible out there, so I think there’s a talking point that might get over spoke about, to be honest.”

Kane, who has previous experience of playing in the United States having featured at last year’s Club World Cup, added that England’s professional preparation would render the climate a non-issue by the time competitive football begins. “We have another 10 days or so until that first game, training in this environment, so I think come the tournament, it won’t be a factor.”

Tuchel was less satisfied with the quality of play, particularly in the first half, criticising what he described as “freestyle” football from his squad. The German coach named a different XI for each half as part of a structured evaluation process ahead of England’s final warm-up against Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday.

England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia — opponents they defeated in the 2018 semi-finals — in Dallas on June 17. Tuchel’s squad arrived in Florida on Monday to begin acclimatisation ahead of a tournament in which they are aiming to win a first World Cup since 1966.

Kane was candid about his personal motivation heading into the competition. “Playing for England is my favourite thing to do. I wear the shirt with immense pride, I wear the armband with immense pride. To be able to lead another group of guys into another World Cup is obviously a special feeling. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt and it can’t come soon enough.”