Apr 1, 2026, 02:30 PM
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Stand-in England captain Marc Guéhi called for perspective after Tuesday's 1-0 World Cup warm-up defeat to Japan.
A much-changed side suffered a first-ever loss to an Asian team as Brighton winger Kauro Mitoma's first-half goal was enough for the excellent visitors at Wembley.
The result -- and more so the performance -- will have left boss Thomas Tuchel with more questions than answers as his men laboured without injured big-hitters Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Manchester City defender Guéhi said: "We can't sugarcoat it. It's always disappointing.
"You want to be winning those games, but the most important [thing] is going to the World Cup and being ready for that.
Marc Guéhi admitted England's disappointment to lose to Japan. Getty
"I think we've shown that in previous years, where maybe the last few games before the tournament haven't been the best, but we've been there showing what we're ready to do.
"It's important we stay calm, we have each other's backs, stick together in these moments, because it's obviously not easy.
"But like I said, perspective, that's one for me."
While other players fluffed their audition to cement a place in Tuchel's World Cup squad, Guéhi's spot seems certain after he was captain in Kane's absence.
"It was unexpected first and foremost, I didn't realise until pre-match," the centre-half said. "That is when he told me.
"I expected it to be Pickers [Jordan Pickford], because why wouldn't it be?
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"It's such a blessing, I am truly grateful. It's not something I have ever thought about so it is really special for me.
"I'm not someone who looks too much at achievements, I just wanted to try and do the best for my team-mates and the country, of course and just play well.
"I'm sure you know, when time passes I look back on it, it will truly be something amazing."