England vs Japan: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

England and Japan meet at Wembley on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The friendly kicks off in London with referee Nicholas Walsh from Scotland in charge.

Quick facts

• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London.
• Date: Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
• Kick-off times: 14:45 ET (USA), 12:45 Mexico, 20:45 Spain.
• Referee: Nicholas Walsh (Scotland).
• Head coaches: Thomas Tuchel (England) and Hajime Moriyasu (Japan).
• Head-to-head: 3 matches — England 2, Draws 1, Japan 0.
• Last meeting: 30 May 2010 — England 2-1 Japan (friendly).

Recent form

England arrive after a 1-1 draw with Uruguay on 27 March 2026. The result left questions over selection and sharpness.

Japan are in good form. They beat Scotland 1-0 on 28 March 2026 and bring a positive run into Wembley.

Last five results — England

• 27/03/2026: England 1-1 Uruguay.
• 16/11/2025: Albania 0-2 England.
• 13/11/2025: England 2-0 Serbia.
• 14/10/2025: Latvia 0-5 England.
• 09/10/2025: England 3-0 Wales.

Last five results — Japan

• 28/03/2026: Scotland 0-1 Japan.
• 18/11/2025: Japan 3-0 Bolivia.
• 14/11/2025: Japan 2-0 Ghana.
• 14/10/2025: Japan 3-2 Brazil.
• 10/10/2025: Japan 2-2 Paraguay.

Team news and availability

England

Tuchel faces multiple withdrawals from camp. Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke and John Stones left the squad.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice returned to Arsenal for medical tests. Fikayo Tomori, Aaron Ramsdale and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are also absent.

Japan

Japan travel with few absences. Takehiro Tomiyasu withdrew from the tour due to injury.

Moriyasu is expected to have Kaoru Mitoma and Daichi Kamada available for selection.

Tactical outlook and prediction

This England vs Japan: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups analyses strengths and likely approaches.

Tuchel should press high and try to control possession. England will seek fast wing transitions and chances from turnovers.

Japan will remain compact and rely on quick counters. Set pieces and rapid transitions will be key for the visitors.

Filmogaz.com projects the home side to have the edge. Prediction: England 2-0 Japan.

Likely lineups

Broadcast information

United States viewers can watch on Fox Soccer Plus, fuboTV, ViX and FOX One. Spain can stream via UEFA.tv.

Check local listings for Mexico and other regions.