This match is considered the final warm-up of coach Thomas Tuchel's top stars before they are selected for the 2026 World Cup squad. Instead, similar to the match against Uruguay, the challenge against Japan is like a audition, where Phil Foden is given the role of Harry Kane.
Considering his performance at club level, Foden's struggle to get a starting spot at Manchester City will often raise big questions about his ability to participate in the World Cup squad. However, Tuchel has repeatedly affirmed that he sees Foden as a replacement for Kane.
He kept his promise when he brought Foden to play as a false striker after Kane withdrew at the last minute due to injury - becoming the eighth player of the England team to have physical problems in this training camp. The English Football Association reassured that Kane's injury was not serious, but what if the situation worsened in the period from June 11 to July 19?
This is clearly the worst scenario for Tuchel. Kane is almost the only world-class player of the England team that is in high form and has no clear replacement. "With Harry Kane gone, we no longer have a similar threat" - Tuchel admitted.
Testing the option without Kane against Japan is therefore necessary, but also shows clear limitations. At EURO 2024, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney were backup options, but neither were on this gathering list. Dominic Solanke is the only remaining center forward, but Foden was chosen to start.
This is not an ideal opportunity but like an overwhelming challenge. Foden is considered a system-dependent player, has never really exploded in the England national team as number 10 or left winger, and pushing him up to play center forward only makes the limitations more obvious.
Although playing actively and actively pressing, Foden lacks sharpness in the penalty area. His positioning ability and scoring instinct are far inferior to Kane. When the ball bounces out in dangerous situations, Foden is often not present in time to finish.
The Man City player is also not a type of striker with good physique. In a notable high ball, Foden was easily overwhelmed by Daichi Kamada, showing a clear inferiority in the center forward role.
After a lackluster first half, Foden was retained but did not make a difference and was substituted in the 60th minute. Only 3 minutes later, England had their first shot on target.
The substitute, Solanke, brought a more positive signal. Playing like a true center forward, he knows how to build walls, connect his playing style and create opportunities for his teammates. Marcus Rashford almost scored from such a situation.
Solanke may be the solution to the Kane shortage problem, although the performance in a friendly match is not enough to confirm for sure. Tuchel himself also admitted: "I am not looking for a second Harry Kane. Simply not having one".
In that context, Watkins and Toney may be the beneficiaries, as the opportunity to return to the national team is opening up. Tuchel is likely to have to bring more than one striker to the World Cup.
This means that one of the talented attacking midfielders may be eliminated. And after this forgettable performance, Foden could completely be the name to pay the price for.
