Friendly Match – Kaoru Mitoma Scores as England Lose 0-1 to Japan
2026-04-01 04:11

England's "Three Lions" played another friendly match at Wembley Stadium and, after conceding a goal in the first half, were unable to change the score, ultimately losing 0-1 to Japan's "Blue Samurai".
Nine minutes into the match, Palmer dribbled into the penalty area but failed to create a shooting opportunity. In the 12th minute, England continued their attack, with Morgan Rodgers receiving the ball and shooting, but his effort was blocked by an opposing player.
In the 13th minute, Palmer took a corner kick, and Mark Goy's header was blocked. In the 23rd minute, Nakamura Keito crossed from the penalty area, and Mitoma Kaoru followed up with a shot that found the back of the net, giving Japan a 1-0 lead. In the 26th minute, Elliott Anderson passed the ball to Nico Aureli, whose close-range lob shot went wide.
In the 32nd minute, Japan intercepted the ball and launched an attack. Sano Kaishu received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the post. In the 34th minute, Elliott Anderson received a diagonal pass from Gordon at the edge of the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball hit the post.
In the 42nd minute, Sano Kaishu made a through pass, and Ueda Ayase received the ball but his shot went high.
At the start of the second half, England launched an attack, with Gordon receiving a pass from Nico Aureli and shooting, but his effort was blocked. In the 50th minute, Ritsu Doan received the ball and entered the penalty area, firing a low shot, but the ball was saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
In the 62nd minute, Bowen passed the ball across the box, and Morgan Rodgers followed up, breaking through the defense and firing a low shot. However, the shot was too central and was easily caught by Japanese goalkeeper Ayasu Suzuki. In the 69th minute, Keito Nakamura received a pass from Daichi Kamada and entered the penalty area, curling a shot, but the ball went wide of the post.
In the 78th minute, Solanke headed the ball across, and Rashford received it and fired a shot, but it was saved by Japanese goalkeeper Ayasu Suzuki. In the 84th minute, Bowen delivered a cross, and Maguire headed the ball towards goal, but it was cleared by an opposing player. Three minutes later, England continued their counter-attack with crosses, and Maguire headed the ball towards goal, but it went over the post.
In the 90th minute, Bowen chipped the ball to Dan Burn, whose header was blocked. Shortly after, Rashford took a corner, but Morgan Rodgers' shot went over the post.
Ultimately, England lost 0-1 to Japan at home.
Image source: Internet
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