England are set to face Japan at Wembley Stadium in a friendly match, continuing their preparations for the World Cup. This marks the second of two March friendlies for the Three Lions. The game offers a chance for players to stake their claim for a place in the final World Cup squad.
England’s Line-Up and Team News
Following a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, where Ben White scored but later conceded a penalty, England are expected to field a stronger team against Japan. Several first-team players, including Harry Kane, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Marc Guéhi and Elliot Anderson, are in line to feature. Tuchel is likely to field a starting line-up more resembling the one he intends to use at the World Cup.
A number of players have been released from the original squad, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Noni Madueke. Adam Wharton and John Stones have also returned to their clubs due to injury. Aaron Ramsdale, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Fikayo Tomori have also been released.
Japan’s Victory Over Scotland
Japan come into the match on the back of a late 1-0 victory against Scotland at Hampden Park. Junya Ito scored the decisive goal in the dying minutes of the game. Hajime Moriyasu’s team will be looking to continue their winning form against England.
Broadcast Details and Kick-Off Time
The match will be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK and SonyLiv in India. Live updates will also be available. Kick-off is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 7:45 p.m. BST.
Defensive Spots Up For Grabs
Tuchel has indicated that he already has a good idea of his World Cup squad. However, performances in this game could still influence his final selection, particularly in defence. Tuchel sees the likes of Guehi and Ezri Konsa as being ahead of Harry Maguire in the centre-back race. Nico O’Reilly and Lewis Hall are in the race to be picked as
- Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Jason Steele
- Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Ben White
- Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers
Based on performances, either positive or negative, there is always room for change in Tuchel’s World Cup plans.