FOOTBALL – Japan deservedly beat a lacklustre and Harry Kane-less England 1-0 at Wembley yesterday 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.
Meanwhile, a below-par Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Egypt in their friendly international in Cornella de Llobregat, a result that sees them lose their top spot in the world rankings but is a pre-World Cup morale-booster for their visitors.
Egypt came closest in the first half when Omar Marmoush’s shot from the edge of the box hit the post, while there was little to enthuse over for Spain, who created several half-chances but little in the way of clear-cut opportunities.
The draw means Spain drop to second in the world rankings, overtaken by France.
Serbia came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
Saudi took the lead in the eighth minute through Abdullah Al Hamdan to give the visitors a surprise advantage at half-time.
Strahinja Pavlovic equalised in the 66th minute before Aleksandar Mitrovic struck four minutes later to complete the comeback.
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