England are set to play Japan in an international friendly at Wembley. This marks their last match at the iconic stadium before the World Cup. The Three Lions will be hoping to sign off with a win following last Friday’s draw.
Injuries Hit England Squad
Thomas Tuchel is expected to pick a strong starting XI despite several notable absences. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, John Stones and Jude Bellingham have all pulled out of tonight’s match due to injury.
World Cup Qualification and Preparation
Japan, ranked 18th in the world, were the first team to qualify for the World Cup on 20 March 2025. They arrive at Wembley on the back of a four-match winning run, including a 3-2 victory over Brazil last October.
Final Chance to Impress Before World Cup
This is England’s last match at Wembley before the World Cup. After today, they have just two more friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica – both in Florida – before their opening World Cup group game with Croatia on 17 June in Arlington, Texas.
The next time they play it will be June in Florida in the tournament warm-ups by which time the final 26 will have been decided. So this is the last chance in an England shirt to stake a claim.
A sold-out Wembley is ready to give the Three Lions a huge send off before the serious stuff begins in 78 days.
Squad Selection Questions Remain
Several questions remain regarding the final squad selection for the World Cup. Who’s on the plane to the United States? And who’s spending their summer on the beach?
- Do Phil Foden, Dan Burn and John Stones make the 26?
- Who would make a reliable back-up to Harry Kane should the England captain get injured?
- Does Trent Alexander-Arnold have any chance whatsoever?
It’s the first meeting between the two nations since 2010.
Will Thomas Tuchel and his players be parading the famous gold trophy in front of their fans when the Three Lions next play on home soil in six months time?