England’s World Cup hopefuls did little to convince Thomas Tuchel of their worth when he named his squad in two months’ time as another testy squad was resurrected after a 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley.
By the time the Three Lions take the field against New Zealand on June 6, Tuchel will have announced his first team. Both rhythmless performances as a unit and individually in four days offered little hope of quality outside his starting XI.
Japan’s first loss in a friendly doesn’t mean much in itself, but the Three Lions’ performance brought back more questions than answers. The home fans who stayed behind at Wembley to cheer their side on were frustrated at the missed opportunity to build momentum and confidence ahead of the World Cup.
The Three Lions managed just three shots in the entire game as they looked vulnerable defensively throughout. Kaoru Mitoma’s winner in the 23rd minute was Japan’s first chance of the game after England’s first period of dominance, but as the players continued to work hard in front of goal, the visitors lost confidence and missed several opportunities to extend their lead at the break.
While Tuchel’s Test side may explain England’s lack of cohesion as a whole, few have impressed more individually than Elliot Anderson and, ironically, those who had the most to prove their boss were among those who showed him the least.
Ben White, who was invited to the team at a surprising time, was caught by Keito Nakamura to feed Mitoma for the winner. Phil Foden, who Tuchel once referred to as a False 9 option, was completely ineffective and had the least impression of any of England’s starters before being withdrawn on the hour.
Foden has yet to play on the international stage but the same cannot be said of Cole Palmer, although his form at Chelsea carried over to an England shirt – he gave the ball away cheaply before Mitoma’s goal and created fewer chances than Jarrod Bowen, the man who replaced him for the last 30 minutes.
“I’m not a big person to talk about individuals, but if we put offensive players on the field, we want offensive actions, creativity, penetration, shooting and assists and it’s clear that we didn’t have anything,” was Tuchel’s strong assessment when asked about the pair’s performance.
Agent Lewis Hall went close to give the home support of 80,000 something to cheer about in the final minutes with a powerful effort near the post. But it said a lot about England’s lack of spark that Zion Suzuki’s comfortable save was one of the best moments for the lackluster hosts, who will not be surprised by the loud cheers from the stands as they leave the pitch.
Tuchel: Vision needed despite unsuccessful camp
Manager of England Thomas Tuchel:
“It is what it is. We were punished a lot against Uruguay, and today it was one attack. We knew that before, I knew that before. I’m disappointed, but it’s important to monitor it.
“Our players are very invested in football and European games. We played against two well-made teams, very good opponents.
“We had a big change in the middle of the camp and suddenly we had seven or eight who had to go. It’s not a reason, it’s an explanation of why it’s not completely easy. We couldn’t get points when the opportunities are there but it’s important to learn from it. This camp will not explain us.”
Guehi: England ‘need to be realistic’ from March’s friends
Protector of England Marc Guehi to talk to ITV:
“Obviously it’s disappointing but we have to be realistic. That’s why we’re playing these games at this stage of the season, we need these tests as a team.
“If we have the right perspective, these games help us to build, to be better, to improve, and to enter the next stage, which is the World Cup, and to prepare.”
What will happen after England?
England then move on to two World Cup warm-up games against New Zealand and Costa Rica in the USA on June 6 and 12 before their tournament match against Croatia on June 17 in Texas.
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