The Three Lions Will Be Looking For A Vastly Improved Performance After The Tame Uruguay Draw
Wembley Stadium | International Friendly | Tuesday March 31 | 7:45pm
Prior to Tuesday’s international friendly, BetVictor News has the England vs Japan preview, prediction, H2H record, betting angles and more.
England Vs Japan Preview
England are back in action this week as they welcome Japan to the Home of Football. The lacklustre 1-1 draw with Uruguay last time out was arguably the most uninspiring performances since Thomas Tuchel was appointed in January last year.
After ending his international exile, Ben White garnered all the attention in a topsy-turvy cameo. Introduced as a sub to a chorus of boos, the England man put the Three Lions ahead before conceding the penalty that Federico Valverde stroked home in the final minute.
It was the first time Tuchel’s side had conceded since the 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal in June 2025. The German gaffer used an experimental squad on that occasion too which ultimately back-fired.
Although the England vs Japan odds favour the Three Lions, Tuchel’s side will really need to up their game to beat the Samurai Blue. A large number of players have dropped out the squad so it will be a fine chance for some fringe players to impress in the final audition before the World Cup.
As for Hajime Moriyasu’s men, they head to Wembley off the back of a 1-0 victory against Scotland. Junya scored the only goal of the game with six minutes remaining at Hampden Park to extend Japan’s unbeaten run to five.
In that undefeated stretch, the East Asians beat five-time World Cup winners Brazil 3-2. Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakumara and Ayase Ueda netted in what can be considered as one of the Samurai Blue’s finest ever results.
England Vs Japan H2H Record
England are strongly fancied in the World Cup winner betting market and can enhance their chances if they continue their unbeaten record against Japan – who many consider a dark horse to go far in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Of the three previous meetings, the Three Lions have two wins and a draw to their name. The very first clash came in the 1995 Umbro Cup. Goals from Darren Anderton and David Platt helped secure a 2-1 scoreline for Terry Venables side.
The Three Lions also recorded a 2-1 in their last meeting back in 2010. Marcus Tulio Tanaka and Yuji Nakazawa scored own goals on that occasion. The draw occured in a summer tournament clash prior to Euro 2004. Michael Owen netted before Shinji Ono ensured a share of the spoils.
- 30/05/2010 – England 2-1 Japan
- 01/06/2004 – England 1-1 Japan
- 03/06/1995 – Japan 1-2 England
England Vs Japan Team News
Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Aaron Ramsdale, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have all withdrawn. The likes of Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon, Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Elliot Anderson are all likely to feature for England.
As for Japan, Kaoru Mitoma and Daichi Kamada are set to start having come on as subs against Scotland on Saturday. Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will be absent having sustained an injury. Ayase Ueda is expected to lead the line.
England Vs Japan Predicted Lineups
England predicted lineup:
Pickford; White, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Mainoo; Palmer, Rogers, Gordon; Kane
Japan predicted lineup:
Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, Ito; Sugawara, Kaishu Sano, Kamada, Mitoma; Doan, Maeda; Ueda
England Vs Japan Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- Japan have never beaten England in three attempts
- England conceded their first goal in nine months against Uruguay
- England have lost just once in their last eight, Japan once in their last 23
Top Betting Angles for England Vs Japan
- England to win: England have never lost to Japan and start as favourites
- Both Teams to Score: The three previous meetings has seen each team score
- Late goals: England scored and conceded late against Uruguay, Japan scored the Scotland winner on 84 minutes.
England Vs Japan Prediction
Not an easy one to call, but we will lean on England to get back to winning ways. A number of star players will be featuring and that in theory, should just about get the Three Lions over the line at Wembley Stadium.
Prediction: England 2-1 Japan
If you intend to bet on England vs Japan, then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes.
18+ | gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
