England wrapped up a behind‑closed‑doors friendly at Swope Soccer Village with a 5‑1 thrashing of MLS side Sporting Kansas City. Ivan Toney netted a hat‑trick, his first three‑goal haul for the national side, while Aston Villa forwards Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins added the other strikes. The match featured squad members who missed Wednesday’s 4‑2 win over Croatia on Thursday in Kansas City.

Coach Thomas Tuchel used the 25‑minute halves to give fringe players game time, a strategy revealed by the FA on Tuesday. Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Dan Burn all saw minutes, while youngsters Kobbie Mainoo, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah featured. The exercise aims to keep the squad sharp before the Group L clash with Ghana in Boston.

Harry Kane and Tuchel joined a small group of players at a Kansas City Royals‑St Louis Cardinals baseball game later Thursday, offering a brief respite before preparations resume. England’s dominant display reinforces depth ahead of the World Cup, showing that even non‑starters can contribute decisively. The comfortable win leaves the team in a strong position for the upcoming Boston fixture.