Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was handed a start as New Zealand completed their preparations for the World Cup, which starts this week.
Wood slammed his New Zealand teammates as they were beaten 4-0 by Haiti in midweek, but the All Whites returned to restore some pride here.
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Wood will be the captain of his country when they open their World Cup campaign against Iran on Tuesday, with games against Egypt and Belgium to follow.
The All Whites were vastly improved against England, as the Three Lions won but were largely embarrassing throughout the contest.
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New Zealand media deliver verdict on Chris Wood
Wood was given a 6/10 for his showing against England, and he will be hoping to lead the All Whites to some positive performances at this summer’s World Cup.
Wood started the game and captained the team, with the Forest man missing chances to put his country into the lead against England.
Of his performance, The New Zealand Herald said: “Found himself in some promising positions during the first half, but was too often left without the support he needed to turn them into genuine opportunities. Had little service after the break as England’s defenders did an excellent job of limiting his space and shutting him down.”
Wood will hope to find the way to the goal at the World Cup, and although the All Whites have warmed up with two defeats ahead of the tournament, there is hope that they can make waves this summer.
Much will depend on the form of the Forest talisman, and after missing six months of 2025/26 with a knee injury, it’s hard to pin every New Zealand hope on his shoulders.
However, Wood will be under no illusions that this is his final World Cup and that could give him a steely determination to ensure he leaves nothing in the United States this summer.
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