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It was hardly a revelation. Harry Kane remains a goal machine. Having netted 61 times this season for Bayern Munich and 78 in England colours before this match, the captain struck once more in Florida to secure a win over New Zealand. Yet, with the World Cup so close, the expectation was for this friendly to offer more substantial insights.

That, however, did not quite happen. Twenty-two players featured, including a debut for 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha. But unless injuries alter plans, the youngster is unlikely to travel to the World Cup. Few players really improved their prospects, and perhaps only one did enough to make Thomas Tuchel reconsider his starting lineup for the opener against Croatia in Dallas.

That player was Marcus Rashford. While not dazzling, the Manchester United forward was certainly more energetic than most. His quick feet down the left created a chance for Kane, and he fired two shots in quick succession, though neither troubled the keeper. His display wasn’t spectacular, but it was encouraging nonetheless.

Rashford had flown to Florida ahead of the squad’s arrival to work on his fitness, training privately at Inter Miami. After missing out on Euro 2024 entirely, he now has both a place to earn and a point to prove.

His club future remains uncertain after Barcelona opted to sign Anthony Gordon instead. On the international front, however, Rashford may now be edging ahead of the Merseyside winger in Tuchel’s plans. The left flank appears to be one of the most open positions in England’s setup. Gordon featured in the second half — his first appearance in nearly two months — but failed to match Rashford’s influence. Sharpness is key to his game, and perhaps the upcoming fixture against Costa Rica on Wednesday will help him find it.

Once again, England’s cutting edge came through Kane. He now sits joint 10th in the all-time list of international scorers, level with Neymar, with only nine players ahead of him. His goal was also a moment to savour for Djed Spence, whose cross set it up perfectly. The Tottenham defender, often praised more for his defensive strength than attacking flair, showed a glimpse of technical ability that might surprise some.

Still, it seems unlikely Spence will start in Dallas. Tuchel’s decision to make 11 substitutions at half-time added an element of confusion to the selection picture.

Nico O’Reilly, arguably England’s best left-back, was deployed in midfield during the second half — a curious choice if he is to play in defence against Croatia. First Spence, then Tino Livramento, filled in at full-back instead.

When the line-ups were announced, it was hard not to notice that Spence ranks around fifth among English left-backs, Jarell Quansah is roughly fifth among right-backs, and Ollie Watkins — selected on the right wing — isn’t even a natural in that role. Watkins’ inclusion owed much to the absence of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, both unavailable due to Arsenal’s Champions League final involvement, but he struggled to make an impression.

Tuchel’s emphasis on versatility may also have been overplayed. With a 26-man squad, he could afford more specialists. Trent Alexander-Arnold might have raised an eyebrow seeing Quansah operating at right-back.

With so many changes, the match at times resembled a training drill more than an international friendly. If Tuchel’s intention was to add warmth to this World Cup warm-up, England’s display turned out lukewarm instead. Given the humid conditions, post-season fatigue, and the general apathy that often accompanies pre-tournament friendlies, that perhaps wasn’t unexpected. The tempo certainly didn’t reflect Premier League standards — though that’s rarely the case for England anyway.

Ironically, England’s cricket team were also facing New Zealand on the same day, with weather interruptions at Lord’s. At least the footballers saw more action, though whether that was a positive is debatable.

Still, a few signs might have lasting relevance. Jude Bellingham captained the side in the second half — possibly a gesture signalling his reintegration after being omitted by Tuchel in October, or simply because Kane, Jordan Henderson, John Stones, and Declan Rice were all off the pitch.

Meanwhile, Ngumoha looked unfazed by the occasion, producing some neat touches. It’s a promising sign for the future, even if his involvement here was more symbolic than significant with England’s immediate focus firmly on the upcoming tournament.