England head coach Thomas Tuchel dismissed concerns the newly‑installed pitch at Raymond James Stadium could dictate squad selection for the friendly against New Zealand. Media called the surface a 'plug‑and‑play' turf laid a week earlier, but Tuchel said conditions will not alter his 27‑man roster. The squad arrived in Florida for a pre‑World Cup camp, ready to face the All Whites on Saturday.

Tuchel praised captain Harry Kane’s condition, recalling the Bayern striker scored 61 goals in 51 games last season and showed no fatigue in Florida’s heat. Dean Henderson arrived after Crystal Palace’s Conference League win, and Premier League prospects Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri added depth. Tuchel will run two 45‑minute halves to give everyone equal minutes before the Costa Rica warm‑up.

The friendly will not affect England’s selection ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June in the United States. After the New Zealand match, the Three Lions travel to Kansas City before opening Group L against Croatia on 17 June. Tuchel’s plan to keep the squad tight and test options means the warm‑up serves as a final rehearsal for the tournament.