Experimental England side fails to impress
England 0 - 1 Japan England’s final home game before the World Cup ended in a disappointing defeat Author | George B Stadium | Wembley Stadium Head coach Thomas Tuchel was without captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane after he picked up a knock in training, and his absence was keenly felt in an attack that lacked a cutting edge. Kaoru Mitoma finished a sweeping counter-attack in the 23rd minute to secure victory for Japan, who became the first Asian side to beat England. Phil Foden was deployed in a false nine role There was no no recognised striker in Tuchel’s starting line-up, and the experiment failed to convince. He lasted less than an hour in the unfamiliar position before being replaced by Dominic Solanke. Tuchel made 10 changes from Friday’s draw with Uruguay, and the lack of cohesion and fluency was evident throughout. Watch | Post match interviews from ITV Sport Japan had already threatened before taking the lead, Mitoma applying a composed finish beyond Jordan Pickford aft...