Multiple nations claimed victories in World Cup preparation matches on Saturday, with England narrowly defeating New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa while Germany extended their winning streak against the United States in Chicago.
England’s captain Harry Kane provided the match-winning moment with a precise header that found the bottom corner following a cross from Djed Spence. Manager Thomas Tuchel made wholesale changes at the break, giving 22 players match experience in sweltering 32-degree Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) conditions.
Kane’s sharp finish served as a crucial reminder of his value to England’s tournament ambitions. The friendly was structured to evaluate the team’s preparedness for World Cup conditions, with England displaying moments of coordination while struggling to find consistent flow.
Seventeen-year-old Rio Ngumoha made his debut appearance, though he remains outside the official World Cup roster. Four Arsenal players – Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke – were expected to rejoin the squad later Saturday after receiving rest following last weekend’s Champions League final.
Four-time world champions Germany maintained their perfect run with nine consecutive victories, edging the World Cup co-hosting United States 2-1 in Chicago.
Kai Havertz connected with Joshua Kimmich’s free kick delivery for a second-minute opener, but the Americans responded with a spectacular equalizer when Antonee Robinson unleashed a powerful volley after defender Jonathan Tah cleared a corner kick.
Leroy Sane restored Germany’s advantage in the 57th minute with a strike from 12 meters out.
Portugal overcame Chile 2-1 in a heated encounter in Oeiras that saw both sides reduced to 10 players after Rafael Leao and Ivan Roman were dismissed.
Goncalo Guedes opened the scoring for the hosts before Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead with a long-range effort. Lucas Cepeda managed a late reply for Chile.
“We were superior in the 90 minutes, we managed to control the game very well, especially having a lot of the ball in the last third,” Fernandes told RTP.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku marked his return from injury with a 25-minute substitute appearance as his team demolished 10-man Tunisia 5-0 in Brussels.
Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin found the net, with Lukaku contributing an assist.
“We wanted a good performance in front of our fans,” Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said. “It is a good preparation for the World Cup, we know this team can do great things.”
Scotland’s heavily rotated lineup scored four first-half goals in a commanding 4-0 triumph over Bolivia in New Jersey.
Che Adams netted twice alongside goals from Lawrence Shankland and Scott McTominay in an encouraging display.
Switzerland and Australia settled for a 1-1 draw, while Bosnia and Herzegovina were held to an identical result by Panama.
