Fans have been left stunned by the prices being charged for drinks during England’s first 2026 World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand on Saturday.
England secured a narrow 1-0 win at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Bayern Munich’sHarry Kane, one of the leading 2026 Ballon d’Or award contenders, scored the only goal of the game with a header shortly before full-time.
No further goals were scored as England struggled to produce their best football in testing temperatures while performing on a controversial pitch described as “very difficult to play on” by the manager.
Tuchel Reacts to England’s Performance
Thomas Tuchel, who changed his entire starting line-up for the second half, told reporters after the final whistle, per ESPN: “I’m OK with it. I’m not super happy about it. I liked the second half more than the first half. I think we had more bite in the second half, were more aggressive on and off the ball, created a bit more. Some good half-chances and some good penetrations into the box.
“We played more from our positions and that’s why we played with more speed. The first half we were out of positions and it was a bit too much freestyle. That slowed our game down and made it difficult for counter-press because we were not in the positions we wanted to be when we started attacking.
“So that’s basically the story of the match. We were taking crosses, a lot of long-range shots which is normally not our style of play. We played a lot of long balls, a lot of long passes. That was not part of training in the past four days. It was a bit of a mix of everything. That’s why the first half looked as it looked.
“To put it in context, a lot of our players played the last time together in November. So, it is half a year ago. We have [just] four training sessions together and we mixed the team up completely so we never played before in these combinations to give everyone 45 minutes. And then you have the conditions, the pitch, it can look like this.”
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
‘Shameful’ Drinks Prices Horrify Fans
England fans who forked out big money to watch the Three Lions struggle against New Zealand in hot temperatures were also forced to pay eye-watering prices for drinks at the stadium.
The Daily Mail’s chief sports reporter Mike Keegan posted a screenshot of the drinks menu, showing ‘premium beer’ being charged at a whopping $18 (£13.44), while a ‘domestic beer’ still set supporters back a cool $16.75 (£12.50).
Fans wanting a different alcoholic beverage to a beer had the option of paying $26.50 (almost £20) for an ‘ultra premium double cocktail’ comprised of tequila, vodka, rum and whiskey.
Supporters looking to stay hydrated had the option of paying $8.75 (£6.53) for a one-litre water.
Simon Peace, the Press Association’s chief football writer, showed a screenshot of the same prices being charged inside the stadium. However, it turns out all listed drinks prices exclude applicable taxes, meaning every beverage comes with an additional cost.
Fans on social media have expressed their outrage at the exorbitant prices being charged.
One supporter wrote on X (Twitter): “That’s scandalous, it’s dearer than Disney,” while another said: “Insane prices. I personally wouldn’t pay it. It’s the only way we drive down the p*** taking pricing.”
A third fan commented: “Absolutely disgusting,” while a fourth added: “That’s shameful.” A fifth supporter posted:
“Five quid for a water in 33 degree C & 50% humidity heat. 15 quid for a beer. Good lord. This World Cup is an obscene cash grab.”
Meanwhile, football writer Simon Mullock pointed out: “It was cheaper to get a drink in Qatar.”
England play their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica on Wednesday before taking on Croatia seven days later in their first Group L fixture of this summer’s showpiece international tournament.
The Japanese international has interest from around Europe and in the Premier League, and he is interested in returning to England after leaving Ajax this summer.
Tomiyasu left Arsenal in the summer of 2025 after they agreed to mutually terminate his contract a year early.
The now-27-year-old has struggled with knee injuries, and his ability to play for Arsenal was limited.
Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Ajax in December on a six-month deal, featuring just nine times for the club during the second half of last season.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being lined up for a shock new job as the end of his illustrious football career edges closer.
One of the greatest footballers of all time, the 41-year-old remains prolific with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia but may call time on his international career in the coming months after competing in his last World Cup finals.
Ronaldo scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup in North America but struggled to make his presence felt in several matches as Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual champions Spain.
That match will be played at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, home of Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting CP.
Ronaldo Set For Surprise New Job
Reuters/Maria Lysaker
While there are no suggestions that Ronaldo is planning on announcing his retirement from the sport in the near future, the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend appears to be thinking about life after football for the first time.
According to The Sun, Ronaldo is working on a project that will see him star in a major new drama series about football.
He’s reportedly the executive producer of the show about a fictional agent, played by British actor Damian Lewis, star of various major movies and television series including Homeland.
Filming has already started, with Lewis recently seen at Barnet FC’s stadium in north-west London.
A TV insider told The Sun: “It’s likely to spark a bidding war between the streamers.
“The sheer calibre of figures behind it, not to mention the cast, means it’s a prestige project – albeit a surprising one for Ronaldo as he crosses into making dramas.”
Lewis, 55, will play the role of a top football agent called Stanley Dalton. Day 1s is based on a concept devised by real-life agent Darren Dein, another of the show’s executive producers who represents Henry in real life.
“After the World Cup, there’s a renewed international interest, particularly in the States, in British football,” the TV insider added. “It’s one that’s been growing for some time with shows like Ted Lasso.
“But this isn’t a sitcom. It’s definitely a drama, with some comedic elements, and has some serious names backing it.”
The show will be made by the newly-formed UR-Marv Studios, which Ronaldo runs alongside director Matthew Vaughn.
The Liverpool-born fighter stole the show in Las Vegas, producing one of the best performances of his career on a card that had all eyes on the return of Conor McGregor.
An early takedown attempt by Saint Denis seemed to seal his fate as Pimblett took full control of the mat and submitted the Frenchman within a minute to end a dominant contest.
Avenging a unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje for the UFC Interim lightweight championship this past January, this victory now puts ‘The Baddy’ back on the upward trajectory for a shot at the title.
Pimblett Claims Weight Gain Won’t Affect His UFC Career
Pimblett faced questions about his ability to compete at the highest level, with his fluctuations in weight between fights attracting criticism.
Though it hasn’t seemed to be a problem during his UFC career, having beaten the likes of Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson, with Pimblett going on record to say: “I’d rather be fat and happy than have a six pack. This six pack is sound, I look great, but I’d rather be fat and happy.”
It’s been less than three weeks since Paddy’s victory, but he’s already ballooned up in weight to the point where he almost looks like a different person. The 31-year-old revealed the drastic transformation in photos posted to Instagram.
Paddy Pimblett’s Body Transformation After UFC 329
Flying to Malaga, Spain with family and friends, a far heavier Paddy, with a fully fleshed out face, looked to be enjoying himself and reaping the rewards of his victory, and fans were quick to point out the dramatic difference in his physique.
“Eventually that s*** is gonna catch up to him,” declared one reply.
“Bro looks like he ate his old self,” wrote another, with a third stating: “He’s not gonna have a long career.”
Others, though, came to the Brit’s defence: “I still wouldn’t want to fight a fat Paddy,” reasoned one poster, with another chiming in: “He’s disciplined as f*** when it’s time to go.”
Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Images
Pimblett insists that his fluctuation in weight has never caused a problem for himself or the UFC as he has always managed to make weight. Addressing this in a video posted to his YouTube channel, Pimblett said:
“I am the GOAT of weight cutting. You’ve got to be disciplined all the way through camp. Every single time I step in that cage I make weight.”
Yet, Paddy’s strength and conditioning coach, Paul Reed, believes that putting on weight in between fights will hinder him when it comes to top-level fights and has done all he can to try and convince his fighter not to be too reckless with his calorie consumption.
Reed said: “When you’ve done it badly as Paddy has in the past, he knows that he’s doing it differently; we’ve got some structure to it, and with that he’s always going to be happy.”
No date has yet been confirmed for Pimblett’s next fight. However, judging by his current physique, he isn’t planning a quick return to the Octagon.
