It was a game of inches, a battle of wills, as England edged past New Zealand 1-0 in their final World Cup warm-up. The margin of victory was slim, but the reassurance for Gareth Southgate's men is that they can grind out results when it really matters – and that Harry Kane can still conjure up magic when his team needs it most.
Jude Bellingham wore the captain's armband with distinction, a defining moment in the young midfielder's growing reputation as one of England's emerging leaders. He marshalled his troops admirably alongside midfield maestros like O'Reilly, offering glimpses of creativity and control that will serve the team well in the heat of battle.
But there were also ominous signs for the Three Lions' backline. John Stones' performance was a cause for concern, with potential weaknesses in his game that could be ruthlessly exploited by top-tier opposition in the tournament ahead. Southgate's defence – and depth – will need to be bolstered if they are to withstand the pressure of the World Cup.
The reliance on Kane for goals remains a nagging worry. His ability to sniff out chances and finish with aplomb is second to none, but England's inability to find alternative sources of firepower could prove costly in the long run. This was a concern first flagged up at Euro 2024 – and it shows no signs of going away as the World Cup draws near.
Southgate's final assessment of his squad will be tinged with relief, yes – but also a sense of unfinished business. The win is welcome, but the performance has served up a stark reminder that there's still much work to be done in key areas before the real test begins.