The Kiwis meet the Three Lions at the FIFA World Cup Stadium in Jeju on Tuesday evening in this Group B encounter. Both are hurting after their last match and determined to put things right. England were 'heartbroken' after Korea DPR's 89th minute equaliser, whereas Colin Tuaa is expecting a vastly improved performance from his side following their 7-0 defeat by Brazil.
The game
New Zealand - England, Jeju, Tuesday 21 August, 17:00 (local
time)
The stakes
Although both teams can still qualify from the group, New
Zealand's confidence has certainly taken a battering. They
gained plaudits for their positive play from FIFA's Technical
Study Group members against the Samba starlets, but it remains to
be seen whether Colin Tuaa may opt to put more of his men behind
the ball. England, meanwhile, will be seeing this match as a chance
to grab their first-ever victory at a FIFA U-17 World Cup and
perhaps a chance to score a few goals, should goal difference be
needed to settle the final positions in Group B.
The players
Both sides are reported to be at full strength for
this match.
The birthday
New Zealand's No8 Cory Chettleburgh will be
celebrating his 16th birthday on the day of the game.
The past
These nations have have met twice before in
friendlies at senior level, both of which took place in New Zealand
in 1991 with England winning on both occasions (1-0 and 2-0).
The words
"We've probably been written off even more
now after the defeat to Brazil, but our World Cup's not over.
We know where we went wrong on Saturday and we're desperate to
put things right against England. We want to show the world what
New Zealand can do,"
Colin Tuaa, New Zealand coach.
"We saw New Zealand play against Brazil but as far as we're concerned it's what we do that's important. We are going out there to win the game. That's what we have to do. From our perspective, the glass is half full and not half empty and we are very positive about our situation," John Peacock, England coach.
