Japan stunned England 1-0 at Wembley as Karou Mitoma's first-half strike earned victory in Thomas Tuchel's final friendly before the World Cup this summer
John Cross Chief Football Writer and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
21:57, 31 Mar 2026Updated 21:57, 31 Mar 2026
England vs Japan
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England were stunned by Japan at Wembley
Japan arrived at Wembley and stunned England as they demonstrated their World Cup pedigree with a commanding victory, courtesy of a first-half strike from Karou Mitoma.
The Brighton star, facing familiar opposition given his Premier League experience, was perfectly positioned to convert a first-half counter-attack as his effort gave Jordan Pickford no opportunity to save.
Japan could have extended their advantage with Thomas Tuchel's team concluding this international window in disappointing style. The stalemate with Uruguay was followed by defeat as the hosts, without Harry Kane through injury, lacked genuine attacking threat while starting without a traditional striker.
England vs Japan
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Kaoru Mitoma of Japan scores his team's first goal during the international friendly match between England and Japan at Wembley Stadium on March 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Tuchel has limited fixtures remaining before the World Cup commences this summer, with few players having strengthened their claims on Tuesday evening.
Japan meanwhile emphasised their potential as a genuine danger as they delivered the English a sobering lesson.
Here are our player ratings from Wembley.
Thomas Tuchel
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Thomas Tuchel team has raised questions(Image: Getty Images)
Jordan Pickford, 7 - Little he could do about Japan's goal but produced excellent stop with his legs, reports the Mirror.
Ben White, 4 - Left exposed defensively repeatedly. Miles off the pace. A genuine weak link.
Ezri Konsa, 6 - A genuine Tuchel favourite - and he at least attempted to keep the defence organised.
Marc Guehi, 6 - Handed the captain's armband to highlight Tuchel's faith but nowhere near his finest evening.
Nico O'Reilly, 5 - Unfortunate to see Mitoma's goal deflect off him. Left vulnerable defensively.
Elliot Anderson, 7 - Remained steady enough and thundered a strike off the top of the crossbar.
Kobbie Mainoo, 6 - Tidy and composed, lovely passing but failed to truly unlock Japan's defence.
Cole Palmer, 6 - Worked hard but he lost possession before Japan's goal. Far from his finest form.
Morgan Rogers, 5 - Wandered out to the right and became isolated. Appeared keen to create opportunities but lacked spark.
Anthony Gordon, 6 - His speed and direct surges at least posed some danger. Among England's superior performers.
Phil Foden, 5 - Began as a false nine and it failed to work as he offered minimal threat.
Substitutes:
Bowen, for Palmer, 59 mins - 6
Solanke, for Foden, 59 mins - 6
Livramento, for White, 59 mins - 6
Hall, for O'Reilly, 59 mins - 7
Garner, for Mainoo, 71 mins - 6
Rashford, for Gordon, 71 mins - 7
Maguire, for Guehi, 83 mins - N/A
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Burn, for Konsa, 83 mins - N/A