England admits 'shameful defeat' to Japan, 'thoroughly misled... Unseemly level"

*This content was translated by AI.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu's boast of winning the World Cup was not a bluff. The Japanese national soccer team stunned the world's soccer community by causing a huge turmoil in Wembley, the holy site of soccer, sinking the headquarters of England.

Japan won the friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium in London at 3:45 a.m. on the 1st (Korea time) thanks to the winning goal of Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton and Hove Albion).

As a result, Japan recently won five straight A matches, proving itself to be a strong dark horse for the North Korea-China World Cup. On the other hand, England under Thomas Tuchel was in deep sorrow ahead of the World Cup finals due to the shock loss at home.

Japanese ace Mitoma's tiptoe determined the game. In the 23rd minute of the first half, Mitoma intercepted Cole Palmer (Chelsea) and beat Kobe Mainu (Manchester United) with an explosive dribble. Mitoma, who then exchanged passes with Keito Nakamura (Lance), shook England's net with an elaborate finish. With this score, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (Everton)'s A-match scoreless streak, which had lasted 922 minutes since October 2024, ended.

England felt keenly the absence of Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), who was absent due to a foot injury. Tuchel brought up a 4-2-4 experimental tactic to place Palmer and Phil Foden (Manchester City) in front, but he could hardly find a way out in front of Japan's solid organization. In the 12th minute of the first half, Mark Gehi (Crystal Palace)'s shot was blocked and Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest)'s shot hit the post.

Rather, Japan overwhelmed England by taking the opportunity to score an additional goal. In the 42nd minute of the first half, Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord)'s shot, which received a pass from Sano Kaishu (Mainz), hit Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) and hit the post, sending England's bloodthirsty.

In the first half, Japan completely blocked England's pass path with an efficient counterattack and strong pressure despite a low 31% possession based on the 3-4-2-1 type.

In the second half, Tuchel tried to turn the tables by putting Marcus Rashford (FC Barcelona), Harry Maguire (Manchester United) and Dan Burn (Newcastle United). At the end of the game, England tried to tie the game with a shot by Maguire's header and Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), but was eventually stopped by Yukinari Sugawara (Verder Bremen)'s hand-to-hand defense and Suzuki Zaion (Parma)'s good defense.

According to the 'Guardian', England's home fans, who filled Wembley, booed when the final whistle sounded. Coach Tuchel, who was caught by Japan following the defeat against Senegal and the draw against Uruguay, bowed his head. "England's World Cup appearance ceremony ended in booing," the media said. "England was completely played by Japan's organized defense and Mitoma's speed."

'BBC' also gave a lot of harsh criticism. "England tried to attack late, but it relied on the primitive way of putting a long ball toward Maguire, a defender who was eventually replaced," the media said. "This attack method was unsightly." It was not effective at all against Japan," he added.

On the other hand, Japan saw its all-time rise during the World Cup finals. In October last year, he caused a stir by catching Brazil (3-2 win), Ghana (2-0), Bolivia (3-0), and Scotland (1-0) and England, the giants.

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*This content was translated by AI.