Football Today

·19 June 2026

The Three Lions delivered a dominant display, defeating Sporting Kansas City 5-1 in a training friendly as they gear up for their next fixtures against Ghana and Panama.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel offered playing time to several squad members who had not featured in the 4-2 Group L win over Croatia.

Marc Guehi, Morgan Rogers, and Djed Spence were among those who made important contributions during the shortened match.

The game was structured into two 25-minute halves, with Ivan Toney continuing his excellent form by netting a hat-trick, further cementing his claim for a more prominent role in the lineup.

Rogers and Ollie Watkins added to the scoreline as England comfortably outplayed the Major League Soccer side.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was the only squad member who did not take the field, observing from the sidelines as Tuchel rotated his players following the physically demanding encounter against Croatia.

This convincing win follows England’s 6-0 demolition of Miami FC just a week earlier in another closed-door match held in Florida.

Toney was again the standout performer in that fixture, recording yet another hat-trick.

Although these results will not count toward official standings, the performances have provided Tuchel with valuable insights as he plans for the remainder of the group stage.

Toney’s composed finishing, Watkins’ intelligent movement, and Rogers’ attacking flair will likely prove instrumental in the coming matches.

The manager can take comfort in knowing that these players are ready to step up whenever required, even if they are not currently first-choice selections.

England’s focus now shifts to their meeting with Ghana on June 23, before wrapping up the group stage against Panama four days later.

Tuchel’s men appear to be finding their rhythm at just the right moment as they aim to build on their promising start to the World Cup campaign.