Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: England-Japan, likely lineups

England and Japan face each other at Wembley at 8:45 p.m. Italian time on Tuesday in an important test of both sides’ preparations for the upcoming World Cup. The Three Lions national team, strong on the home field factor, seeks redemption after the mocking draw it suffered against Uruguay, which was able to strike in the 94th minute with a Valverde penalty. On the other hand, the Nipponese aim to give continuity to their results after their 1-0 success against Scotland thanks to Ito’s goal.

Tuchel will change interpreters compared to the match against the South Americans. Kane returns to the center of the attack, assisted by Barnes, Palmer and Saka. In the midfield chances for O’Reilly and Rice, central Konsa and Stones. Between the posts Pickford returns, Everton’s goalkeeper resuming his starting spot after his Trafford debut against Celeste.

The Samurai Blues are also heading for a revolution from last match. Hayakawa will defend the goal, shielded by center-backs Itakura and Seko; Kamada and Fujita are favored in the midfield, offensive trio consisting of Ueda center-forward with and Nakamura and Machino assisting from the three-quarter.

Probable Formations

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Palmer, Barnes; Kane. C.T. Tuchel.

Japan (3-4-2-1): Hayakawa; Itakura, Taniguchi, Seko; Doan, Kamada, Fujita, Maeda; Machino, Nakamura; Ueda. C.T. Moriyasu.