England v Japan: Key Stats and Insights Ahead of the Match
England is set to face Japan, holding an unbeaten record in their three previous encounters, including two 2-1 victories in June 1995 and May 2010, alongside a 1-1 draw in June 2004. Historically, Asian nations have struggled against England, with Japan being one of ten teams that have never secured a win, recording four draws and six losses.
This upcoming match will be England’s first against an Asian team since their impressive 6-2 victory over IR Iran in November 2022 during the FIFA World Cup. However, England’s recent form in friendlies has been less than stellar, with only two wins in their last seven matches (D2 L3).
Despite these challenges, England has demonstrated consistent scoring ability, finding the net in their last 21 matches across all competitions since a 0-0 draw with Slovenia at EURO 2024. In contrast, Japan enters the match unbeaten in their last seven games against European nations, boasting six wins and one draw.
Japan’s recent successes include victories over notable teams such as Germany, Türkiye, and Scotland. This impressive run highlights their growing prowess on the international stage, despite having never advanced past the last 16 in a World Cup.
Set pieces have been a significant source of goals for England, with 10 of their last 18 goals coming from such situations. Notably, 40% of these set piece goals have been scored or assisted by Arsenal players, showcasing the club’s influence on the national team.
Harry Kane, England’s captain, has been in remarkable form, scoring 10 goals in his last 10 international appearances. He has the opportunity to score two or more goals in consecutive matches for the first time since November 2021, further solidifying his status as a key player.
As the match approaches, observers are keen to see if England can maintain their unbeaten streak against Japan and improve their friendly match record. The outcome remains uncertain, but both teams are expected to bring their best to the pitch.