Overview
Some promising young players had the opportunity to show themselves against Thomas Tuchel in England's 1-1 draw against Uruguay, but clearly not everyone took advantage of the opportunity.
In the context of a series of key players such as Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa being given rest, the "Three Lions" did not show their best form, even though they were only held to a draw by Federico Valverde's late penalty.
This goal also ended England's 629-minute clean sheet streak. The last time they conceded was in June 2025 against Senegal.
However, the match still brought bright spots. James Garner had an impressive debut and was praised by Tuchel as "little Valverde" with superior ability to regulate, create opportunities and contest. He created 4 chances, made 15 passes in the baseline area and won 6/9 contests - no one on the field did better.
Ben White scored on his return day, becoming Arsenal's 34th player to score for England, while Harry Maguire continued to show stability in defense.
In the opposite direction, Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a good opportunity, while Phil Foden disappointed and is under great pressure in the position race.
After the match, Calvert-Lewin, Fikayo Tomori and Aaron Ramsdale left the training camp, while key players will return for the match against Japan.
However, Tuchel will be without the services of John Stones (injured), along with Rice and Saka (returning to the club). Noni Madueke and Adam Wharton also have minor fitness problems.
However, Tuchel still has many quality options. Harry Kane is still the center of all plans. This striker has scored 48 goals for Bayern Munich this season and has 10 goals in the last 10 international matches.
In midfield, the Garner - Anderson duo emerged as a more energetic and creative choice than Jordan Henderson. In particular, Garner's free-kick ability could become extremely important when Rice and Saka are absent.
Statistics show that 10/18 of England's recent goals came from set pieces. Garner has created 21 chances from dead balls in the Premier League this season (top 5), while Anderson has 20 (top 6).
England is also maintaining a 21-match scoring streak since EURO 2024 - the longest streak since 1902-1910.
In attack, Marcus Rashford impressed with 6 successful dribbles - the most of an English player in a match since 2018. However, with the return of Gordon and Rogers, the position competition will be very fierce.
Meanwhile, Japan is in extremely impressive form when unbeaten in the last 7 matches against European teams (6 wins, 1 draw). Junya Ito is also in high form with 4 contributions to goals in the last 3 matches.
The match at Wembley will be the final test for Tuchel to complete the squad before finalizing the World Cup squad.
Head-to-head record
Head-to-head record is leaning towards England as they are unbeaten in all three encounters with Japan. The "Three Lions" once won 2-1 at the Umbro Cup in 1995 and in a friendly match in 2010, before the two teams drew 1-1 in 2004.
Not only that, England has also never lost to Asian representatives after 10 encounters (6 wins, 4 draws). The last time they faced an Asian team was a 6-2 victory over Iran.
Score prediction: England 1-0 Japan
The match between England and Japan takes place at 1:45 AM on April 1st (Vietnam time).
