Kaoru Mitoma's goal secured Japan a second successive 1-0 win in World Cup warm-up friendlies, this time beating England at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel's side, winless in March after drawing with Uruguay, dominated possession but faltered against Japan's counters, mirroring their narrow loss for Scotland days earlier.
Building on their 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park on March 28—where substitute Junya Ito scored late—Japan continued their impressive pre-World Cup form with a 1-0 defeat of England at Wembley. Mitoma, who featured off the bench against Scotland, opened the scoring midway through the first half after dispossessing Cole Palmer and finishing on a swift counter past Jordan Pickford.
England, managed by Tuchel, fielded Pickford in goal, defenders Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, and an attack led by Phil Foden as a false nine alongside Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Elliot Anderson. Japan countered with threats from Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, and Junya Ito. The match started at 7:45pm UK time.
England hit back as Anderson struck the crossbar, while Ueda hit the woodwork for Japan before halftime (possibly offside). Post-interval, Doan forced a Pickford save, and Konsa headed a corner wide around the 60th minute. Subs Lewis Hall, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, and Harry Maguire energized England; Rashford's shot was parried, and Maguire's header cleared off the line. Rogers missed a late corner in stoppage time.
Tuchel had previewed Japan's quality, while Mitoma noted familiarity with some England players from club football. This marked Japan's first win over England, ending their unbeaten run in four prior meetings and extending their strong record against European sides (now five wins in six).
