West Ham captain [Jarrod Bowen](https://www.claretandhugh.info/jarrod-bowen-bio/) had to wait until the 57th minute of England’s game against Japan to get some much-needed game time. Bowen started the match on Thomas Tuchel’s substitute bench and will not have been the only frustrated observer as the Three Lions were completely outplayed by the opposition, who went 1-0 ahead in the first half.
Tuchel seemed intent on experimenting with his attack by bizarrely deploying Phil Foden as England’s furthest forward attacking player, so it was no surprise to see the team dramatically improve when a conventional striker in the form of Dominic Solanke was introduced at the same time as Bowen.
Bowen adds spark in lacklustre England display
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The West Ham man will not have done his chances any harm at all as he was involved in England’s first shot on target of the night. He also fashioned a shot for himself, as well as setting up Morgan Rogers for a decent chance.
The Three Lions’ second shot on target came from Harry Maguire, who managed to get his head on the end of an excellent Bowen corner. It was a trick that was repeated minutes later when another delivery met the head of Dan Burn.
And that really sums it up. Because for all of Foden & Cole Palmer’s feints and flicks, England never truly threatened the Japanese defence. Bowen was far more direct and looked to have more cutting edge on a frustrating night at Wembley, with the game finishing 1-0 to Japan through a goal from Kaoru Mitoma.