Overview
- Japan beat England 1-0 in a friendly, the nation’s first win over England and England’s first loss to an Asian team.
- Cole Palmer lost the ball in attack and Kaoru Mitoma finished the break for the only goal of the match.
- Thomas Tuchel started Palmer as England’s No. 10 ahead of Phil Foden and replaced him with Jarrod Bowen just before the hour.
- Pundit Lee Dixon criticised Palmer for failing to chase back on the goal, saying he "put the brakes on" as Mitoma ran into space.
- Outlet write-ups from the BBC, 6GOAL and FourFourTwo highlighted repeated turnovers by Palmer, intensifying debate over Tuchel’s selections and shape before the World Cup.