Marc Guehi says England must ‘stay calm’ after World Cup warm-up defeat by Japan | OneFootball

England’s World Cup warm-up campaign encountered an unexpected setback on Tuesday evening as a much-changed side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Japan at Wembley.

Stand-in captain Marc Guehi urged for perspective following the loss, which marked the first time England have been beaten by an Asian team.

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma’s first-half goal proved decisive for the impressive visitors, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel with pressing questions ahead of this summer’s tournament.

The team struggled without key figures including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who were all sidelined due to injury, but Manchester City defender Guehi did not mince words regarding the result.

"We can’t sugarcoat it. It’s always disappointing," he stated. However, he quickly shifted focus to the bigger picture.

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Guehi admitted he was surprised to be named captain ahead of Jordan Pickford (PA)

"You want to be winning those games, but the most important (thing) is going to the World Cup and being ready for that. I think we’ve shown that in previous years, where maybe the last few games before the tournament haven’t been the best, but we’ve been there showing what we’re ready to do."

He stressed the importance of unity: "It’s important we stay calm, we have each other’s backs, stick together in these moments, because it’s obviously not easy. But like I said, perspective, that’s one for me."

For Guehi, the match also brought a significant personal milestone as he captained his country for the first time.

"It was unexpected first and foremost, I didn’t realise until pre-match," the centre-half revealed. "That is when he told me. I expected it to be Pickers (Jordan Pickford), because why wouldn’t it be? It’s such a blessing, I am truly grateful. It’s not something I have ever thought about so it is really special for me."

He added, "I’m not someone who looks too much at achievements, I just wanted to try and do the best for my team-mates and the country, of course and just play well. I’m sure you know, when time passes I look back on it, it will truly be something amazing."