Another disappointing night for England at Wembley.placeholder image
Another disappointing night for England at Wembley. | Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel must go back to the drawing board ahead of the World Cup after Japan stunned England at Wembley Stadium.
England manager Thomas Tuchel saw his experiment of fielding an XI without a recognised striker go down like a lead balloon at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night with Japan claiming a 1-0 victory.
The visitors deserved the result too with the Three Lions once again lacking in potency in their last home friendly before the World Cup this summer. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma netted the only goal of the match, which came from a slick Japanese move after Cole Palmer was caught snoozing in possession.
England were improved as more and more substitutes came on, Tuchel using eight men from the bench. Here’s how the England players rated.
England player ratings v Japan
GK - Jordan Pickford, 8
No errors to put his position as number one into jeopardy. Distribution was decent without Harry Kane to aim at and made a superb save early in the second half after O’Reilly was beaten.
LB - Nico O’Reilly, 4
Left a little to be desired with his defensive work, getting increasingly caught out in the second half prior to his substitution. Could maybe have got something in the way to block the Japan goal. Looked his best when going forwards, dancing with the ball before planting a cross on Phil Foden’s head after 36 minutes.
CB - Marc Guehi, 6
Should perhaps have done better with his free header in the 13th minute having done well to work himself some space. Put his body on the line to block well in the second half but did look very leggy as the match went on.
CB - Ezri Konsa, 5
Looked a bit flat footed against Nakamura for the Japan goal and sent some passes astray.
RB - Ben White, 4
Felt to be the weak link in the England defence tonight and targeted by Japan, whose players on the left flank had the beating of the Arsenal man for pace. The full-back was once again booed by certain sections of Wembley Stadium and will need a lot more dynamism to win around the Three Lions supporters.
CDM - Kobbie Mainoo, 6
Worked well with Elliot Anderson in the centre of the park at times, that pairing could give Thomas Tuchel some food for thought. Tired as the fixture went on.
CDM - Elliot Anderson, 8
The only member of the England starting XI who will have boosted his World Cup hopes tonight, managing to sparkle in a very dull Three Lions performance. The Nottingham Forest man’s work ethic is commendable with him always an option to receive the ball. Never holds on to it too long and accurate in his distribution. This was a really classy performance.
LW - Anthony Gordon, 6
Showed endeavour, if not threat. Keen to run in behind and provide something for England midfielders to play into but those moments all felt rushed. Some clever work with the ball but should have kept it more simple at times.
CAM - Cole Palmer, 4
At fault for giving away possession prior to the goal. The Chelsea man looked cocky on the ball in that moment and was caught unaware. Would be more switched on at the World Cup, but not a good look in a friendly so soon before the summer. There were flashes of promises and some good corner deliveries but a disappointing night.
RW - Morgan Rogers, 4
Tried to peel off and give England some width with everything going through central channels before the changes. Hit a pretty shoddy free kick into the wall form a dangerous position after 65 minutes. Lashed a volley over late on in another good opportunity missed.
ST - Phil Foden, 3
Looked to be tasked with leading the line but never did anything convincing enough to make it feel that he believed that was in his capabilities. Rotated a lot with Rogers and Gordon, often dropping deeper. Ultimately, anonymous.
SUBS - Jarrod Bowen (6), Lewis Hall (8), Dominic Solanke (6), Tino Livramento (6), Marcus Rashford (7), James Garner (7), Harry Maguire (8), Dan Burn (7).
In other news, Arsenal decide to axe 11-goal player and bidding opens at £50m.
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