All Whites skipper Chris Wood says “we played a friendly” while Haiti was playing a World Cup game, following the team's 4-0 thrashing by the Caribbean side.
The New Zealand squad is training in Tampa ahead of their clash with England on Sunday morning (NZT).
The All Whites were battered by Haiti in their World Cup warm-up game Wednesday, where despite some promise for the Kiwis in the early stages, the performance fell apart in the second half.
Speaking to 1News at the All Whites' camp in Florida, Wood said about Wednesday’s game: “We had a game plan, we didn’t stick to it completely.”
“They outfought us, they outmuscled us," the Nottingham Forest striker said.
“They basically played a World Cup game, we played a friendly.”
1News Sport reporter Zion Dayal and US Correspondent Logan Church joined Breakfast from Tampa ahead of this weekend's fixture – a huge test for New Zealand. (Source: 1News)
While Haiti was ranked 83rd in the world when they met (they have since moved up to 81), just two spots ahead of New Zealand, England will be a much tougher challenge.
Watch the All Whites clash with England live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2
Ranked fourth in the world, England qualified for the tournament undefeated, conceding zero goals and pushing their opponents aside easily.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has brought a star-studded lineup to America – with the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Marcus Rashford all featuring in the squad.
Wood said his team would need to change their mindset when they take on the Three Lions.
“We need to make sure that we rectify that come Saturday, make sure we’re taking it to them.
“Let them know that they’re in a game, we earned the right to play.”
Wood expected it to be a “difficult game”.
“This team is fourth best in the world that we’re coming up against. They’re probably one of the most tipped for the World Cup, especially after France and Spain.
“The boys have got to relish enjoying playing against this opposition, because we need to prove that we’re worthy.”
The game against England will be New Zealand's last before their opening Group G games against Iran on June 16 (NZT)
Midfielder Ryan Thomas said the game against Haiti was "a bit of a disappointment".
He said the squad had a "good chat" following that game and believed "we're still in a good spot".
Watch the All Whites' FIFA World Cup and warmup matches live and free on TVNZ+
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a wild lightning storm over Nelson, a miracle rescue and a new honour for a football legend. (Source: 1News)
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