Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Signing off March’s World Cup preparations on Tuesday night, England will welcome Japan to Wembley.

England

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp frustration at home against Uruguay on Friday night as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at Wembley, England will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, travelling over to North America this summer widely regarded as a standout contender to get their hands on a first piece of international silverware since way back in 1966, Thomas Tuchel’s side are hoping to pick up some perfect pre-tournament preparations. Embarking on an expected World Cup qualifying romp last year and not having to get out of third gear, the Three Lions have also not suffered a single competitive defeat since back in October 2024. It should also be noted, England have not shipped a strike from open play since a shock 3-1 friendly defeat against Senegal nine months ago.

England Team News

In what was a shock announcement following Friday’s 1-1 stalemate against Uruguay, eight England players have left Tuchel’s squad. All given permission to return to their domestic clubs, the Three Lions will be without the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, John Stones and Adam Wharton.

Given what is a speedy turnaround, Tuchel is expected to make a string of alterations at Wembley. Making his senior England debut over the weekend, Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes could be handed a maiden start on Tuesday night.

Japan

As for the visitors, getting their respective World Cup preparations underway on Saturday with a late 1-0 victory away at Scotland, Japan certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Signing off 2025 with a routine 3-0 romp against Bolivia, Hajime Moriyasu’s camp will be relishing a trip to Wembley on Tuesday night. Springing an almighty upset back in October as they secured an iconic 3-2 win against South American giants Brazil, the Samurai Blue have now won all of their previous four consecutive friendly appearances. Despite arriving in north London pencilled in as a major underdog contender in midweek, Japan are more than capable of causing some real headaches. In fact, Moriyasu’s side have lost just a pair of their previous 23 appearances across all fronts – a run that stems back to February 2024.

Japan Team News

Coming off the bench and bagging a late winner in Glasgow on Saturday, veteran striker Junya Ito could be handed a full recall here. Recently returning from a finger injury, Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki will start between the sticks on Tuesday night.

Leeds United star Ao Tanaka should keep his spot in the middle of the park and looks set to earn a 37th international cap. Despite notching just a pair of Premier League strikes this season, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma will feature in north London.

England vs Japan Key Factors to Consider

• Tuesday’s showdown at Wembley will be the first meeting between England and Japan since back in 2010.
• England’s 1-1 stalemate against Uruguay on Friday brought an end to their six-match winning run across all competitions.
• The Three Lions have not conceded a single strike from open play in those seven consecutive appearances.
• Japan have lost just a pair of their previous 23 appearances across all fronts – a run that stems back to February 2024.
• The Samurai Blue have registered three consecutive clean sheets.

Conclusion

While England might be seeking an immediate response on Tuesday night, the Three Lions could be set for a rugged challenge at Wembley. Not shipping a single strike from open play in any of their last seven consecutive appearances, chances could come at a premium in midweek. Watching Japan clinch a late 1-0 victory away at Scotland over the weekend, Tuesday’s guests are enjoying what has been an extended purple patch. Likewise, with the Samurai Blue recording three straight clean sheets, we are expecting a potential chess match in north London.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet