Decent display by Peterborough United midfielder as New Zealand frustrate England in World Cup Finals warm-up match
Peterborough United midfielder Matt Garbett delivered a decent display for New Zealand in their friendly international defeat at the hands of England in Florida on Saturday night.
The 24 year-old played the first hour of a 1-0 loss in a World Cup Finals warm-up match in Tampa, Florida. Harry Kane scored the England goal. Former Posh forward Ivan Toney played the second-half for England after coach Thomas Tuchel changed his entire starting line-up at the break.
Garbett, who was winning his 38th cap, played on the right of the New Zealand midfield and looked good in possession. He made a burst into the England penalty area in the 11th minute, but crossed rather than shoot and the chance went begging.
In the 25th minute Garbett made an excellent burst forward and created a shooting chance for himself from 20 yards, forcing England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into a save.
Garbett was less impressive when England took the lead in first-half added time. He didn’t make much of an effort to stop a Djed Spence cross which Kane headed home expertly.
The next New Zealand match is their World Cup opener against Iran on June 16 (2am BST). The All Whites then take on Egypt on June 22 and Belgium on June 27.
England start their World Cup Finals campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17 ((9pm kick off BST) before tackling Ghana on Tuesday, June 23 (9pm) and Panama on Saturday, June 27 (10pm).
**Posh central defender David Okagbue was an unused sub for Ireland U21s in 2-2 friendly draw in Croatia on Saturday afternoon. Ex-Posh loanee Sam Curtis scored for Ireland who play Qatar in a friendly on Tuesday (June 9), also in Croatia.