England produced a flat display as Japan arrived at Wembley and secured victory – one that would leave Thomas Tuchel wondering if his players are World Cup worthy.
Japan marched to Wembley and defeated England as they underlined their World Cup record with a stunning victory, which was thanks to a first-half strike from Karou Mitoma.
The Brighton ace, playing against familiar opponents given his time in the Premier League, was on hand to complete the first-half break when his shot left Jordan Pickford with no chance.
Japan had chances to extend their lead as Thomas Tuchel’s side ended the international block in disappointing fashion. The draw with Uruguay was followed by the loss of hosts, more than Harry Kane due to injury, they had no chance to cut themselves when they started without the usual Number 9.
Elliot Anderson’s first-half effort was as close as England came, his strike firing wide, but with time against them, the Three Lions struggled to create any chances that could have saved the game. Substitute Marcus Rashford found a yard for a shot, but his effort was on target, although his 77th-minute effort was England’s first shot. Morgan Rogers would later fumble for a close effort.
Tuchel runs out of games before the World Cup kicks off this summer, and few will have improved their chances on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Japan has stressed that it could be a major threat as it deals with the English in a real test. Here are the details of our players from Wembley.
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England (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford
There was nothing he could do in Japan’s goal but he made a good stop with his feet.
Level: 7
Ben White
It is exposed as a defense every time. Miles from the race. A weak link to reality.
Level: 4
Ezri Konsa
A true Tuchel man – and at least he did his best to hold the defense together.
Rank: 6
Marc Guehi
The captain’s arm was given to underline Tuchel’s confidence but it was far from his best night.
Rank: 6
Nico O’Reilly
It was lucky to see Mitoma’s goal clear him. It is exposed in a defensive manner.
Level: 5
Elliot Anderson
It was solid enough and it hit the gun off the top of the crossbar.
Level: 7
Kobbie Mainoo
Neat and tidy, good passing but didn’t open up the Japanese defence.
Rank: 6
Cole Palmer
He tried hard but gave the ball away before the Japanese goal. He is nowhere to be found.
Rank: 6
Morgan Rogers
He drifted to the right and got lost. It wanted to make things happen but there was no spark.
Level: 5
Anthony Gordon
His speed and direct runs have at least shown some threat. One of England’s best players.
Rank: 6
Phil Foot
It started as a false nine and didn’t work as he offered very little threat.
Level: 5
Representatives
Bowen, for Palmer, 59 mins, 6
Solanke, for Foden, 59 minutes, 6
Livramento, for White, 59 minutes, 6
Hall, for O’Reilly, 59 minutes, 7
Garner, for Mainoo, 71 minutes, 6
Rashford, for Gordon, 71 minutes, 7
Maguire, for Guehi, 83 mins, N/A
Chesa, for Konsa, 83 mins, N/A
Subs: Trafford, Steele, Henderson, Bellingham, Barnes, Spence
Subs: Hayakawa, Osaka, Sugawara, Seko, Fujita, Y. Suzuki, Machino, Maeda, Hashioka, Tanaka, Ogawa, J. Suzuki.
Man of the match: Karou Mitoma
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