England vs Japan: Will history repeat itself as the Three Lions face Japan after 16 years?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
The Three Lions target a winning finish against Japan
It has been 16 years since England and Japan last faced each other, with the former winning 2-1. The lineup featured legends such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker and Wayne Rooney, to name a few. Fast forward to the present, and a new generation is ready to write its own chapter.
However, this isn't about nostalgia - it's about form. The Three Lions have been impressive on the international stage and recently secured their plane ticket to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA. This is their eighth successive appearance at this tournament after reaching the quarter-finals in the 2022 edition, where they lost to the finalists and 2018 World Champions, France.
Thomas Tuchel's men were dominant in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, particularly in Group K. They finished with a 100% record and had a ten-point lead at the top. Most importantly, they were the only team in the group stages that conceded 0 goals - a true definition of a defensive fortress. The question is, will that be achievable against their opponents in this upcoming encounter? See what our betting experts have to say in our England vs Japan prediction for more insights into the game.
The Three Lions were a bit unfortunate in their latest match, as Uruguay tested their defense. After seven games, they conceded their first goal in a 1-1 draw. That outcome also ended their six-match winning streak in all competitions. The goal is simple: get back to winning ways and flex their defense.
Will Hajime Moriyasu's impressive record against European teams with Japan be enough here?
Japan are fully aware of the defensive threat posed by England, but they won't be intimidated and will back themselves in the final third where they've prevailed. You have to go back to September 2025 for the last time they failed to score, losing 2-0 against co-hosts USA at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Since then, they've scored in five consecutive matches.
The Samurai Blue are also in terrific form, having won their last four matches and are unbeaten in five. Reaching those heights once more will be key here as they search for their first-ever win against Thomas Tuchel's side.
Despite being a powerhouse in Asian football, Hajime Moriyasu's men have gone three games without a win in this fixture (L2, D1). Their last match against this opponent was in 2010, losing 2-1 ahead of the World Cup in South Africa, which they were part of. They reached the Round of 16 but were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has never crossed paths with England, meaning this marks his first time. However, he has faced European sides seven times as a manager under Japan. His record against these nations is impressive as he has yet to lose a game, orchestrating six wins and a solitary draw.
A quick look at Hajime Moriyasu's record against European teams with Japan:
- 11 June 2021 (Friendlies): Japan 1:0 Serbia
- 23 November 2022 (2022 FIFA World Cup - Group Stages): Germany 1:2 Japan
- 01 December 2022 (2022 FIFA World Cup - Group Stages): Japan 2:1 Spain
- 05 December 2022 (2022 FIFA World Cup - Round of 16): Japan 1:1 Croatia — Croatia won 4-2 on penalties
- 09 September 2023 (Friendlies): Germany 1:4 Japan
- 12 September 2023 (Friendlies): Japan 4:2 Turkey
- 28 March 2026 (Friendlies): Scotland 0:1 Japan
X-Factor: Kane Harry add to his tally?
It came as a surprise when England captain Harry Kane was unavailable for the 1-1 draw against Uruguay in the team's first leg of its European adventure. He was among 11 players absent on that day.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel has, however, confirmed that the talisman should be available for the conclusion of the March international window against Japan. Kane is having the season of his life at Bayern Munich as a frontman.
Of the 97 goals the club has scored this season, he has had a hand in 31 and provided five assists, and is averaging a goal every 66.7 minutes, which is quite impressive.
It's worth noting that he has scored 51 goals for his club across all competitions this season and is on course to break Robert Lewandowski's single-season goalscoring record in the Bundesliga, which he set with 41 goals in 29 appearances.
Regarding his contributions to the senior national team, the East Londoner has made 112 appearances and scored 78 goals. Two years ago, he became England's all-time goalscorer after netting his 54th goal in 81 appearances, surpassing the record once held by Wayne Rooney (53 goals).
His last involvement was scoring two goals against Albania in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers, helping maintain his side's 100% record in the group stages. It's without a shadow of doubt that he'll be itching to get on the scoreboard, and not even Japan's backline will stop him in his tracks—or will they?
