Japan deservedly beat a lacklustre and Harry Kane-less England 1-0 at Wembley on Tuesday in the hosts’ last friendly before manager Thomas Tuchel announces his World Cup squad in May.

Kaoru Mitoma, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, scored in the 23rd minute to end goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s run of clean sheets for England dating back to October 2024.

It was a first win for fellow World Cup hopefuls Japan over England in four encounters and only the second defeat for the world’s fourth-ranked side in 12 matches under their German coach.

Captain and prolific scorer Kane was ruled out before the start after picking up an injury in training and England rang the changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Uruguay in a friendly last Friday.