England continued their preparations for the upcoming World Cup with a behind-closed-doors friendly against local side Miami United FC, reportedly securing a 6-0 victory. Brentford striker Ivan Toney was a standout performer, netting a hat-trick that included a notable long-range effort. The fixture, which was not a full 90-minute contest, took place on Thursday in West Palm Beach, Florida, following England's 3-0 official friendly win over Costa Rica in Orlando.
Alongside Toney's impressive display, other goalscorers included Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who also registered a spectacular goal from distance, and Arsenal's teenager Ethan Nwaneri. Neither Ngumoha nor Nwaneri are part of Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad for the tournament and are expected to return home. Experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo also featured in the match, with Henderson adding to the scoresheet.
The match served as an opportunity for players to gain match fitness and for the coaching staff to assess options without risking key figures. Captain Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice were among those not participating in the friendly. England are set to travel to Kansas City, their base for the World Cup, as they finalise their preparations for the tournament.
England's World Cup campaign is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 17th June, with their opening match against Croatia at the Dallas Stadium in Texas. They have also been drawn in Group L alongside Ghana and Panama. The squad will be aiming to build on their strong qualifying performances and recent friendly results as they seek to make an impact on the global stage.
Meanwhile, England captain Harry Kane has expressed his belief that this year's World Cup offers him the best opportunity yet to lift the trophy. Speaking to ITV, Kane, who scored an impressive 61 goals for Bayern Munich last season, stated, "It could be your last because you never know what happens in football. I feel in my prime, as fit as I’ve ever felt, that hunger is there but it could be my last." He added, "The World Cup, for me, is the pinnacle of any career. This is my third tournament now and I’ll probably just say, the shape I’m in and coming off the season I’ve had it’s probably the best opportunity I’ll get in my career to win the World Cup."
This sentiment from the captain underscores the high stakes and aspirations within the England camp as they head into the tournament, with a blend of established stars and emerging talent looking to deliver success.