England vs Japan LIVE: Three selection questions as stars face last chance to impress in pre-World Cup friendly | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel gets another chance to have a look at players on the fringes of his England squad (REUTERS)

England face Japan in another pre-World Cup friendly at Wembley as Thomas Tuchel gets one last look at his players ahead of naming the tournament squad in late May.

The Three Lions laboured to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday in a game that saw several fringe players start as they looked to stake their claims for a place on the plane to the USA. But few made an impression on the night, with several big names – including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire – all still fighting for selection.

And though Tuchel can now call upon the likes of Harry Kane after resting several key players last time out, it could be that the German opts for another experimental starting line-up as England take on a talented Japan side who beat Scotland on Saturday.

Jordan Henderson criticises England fans who ‘don’t even know why they are booing’ Ben White

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has vowed to support Ben White after the Arsenal defender was booed by fans during the friendly draw with Uruguay.

White had the rare ignominy of being booed by the Wembley crowd after putting England 1-0 up.

The 28-year-old was making his first England appearance since he walked out of the 2022 World Cup squad due to “personal reasons” and then made himself unavailable for selection for the remainder of Sir Gareth Southgate’s reign.

Henderson criticises England fans who ‘don’t even know why they are booing’ Ben White

White was jeered by the Wembley crowd after putting England 1-0 up against Uruguay, having walked out of the England squad for personal reasons during the 2022 World Cup

Mike Jones31 March 2026 16:00

Trafford looking to learn from Pickford and other England keepers

One of the big reasons that James Trafford is enjoying his time in the England camp is the coaching set up and learning from his fellow teammates.

“The manager’s brilliant," he said. “He’s obviously been really successful throughout his career, and you can see why he’s been so successful. He’s doing great things with us that we’re always looking to build on.

“And Pickers [Jordan Pickford], like the other goalkeepers I’ve been with – Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson and now Jason Steele —they’re brilliant. They’re great lads and obviously really talented, and they’ve all got attributes and things that I always try and learn from and take into my game to improve.”

Which players advanced their case for a World Cup berth

The England manager was also asked which players, if any, had moved closer to being selected in the squad for the World Cup due to their peformances against Uruguay.

"They all did. I have to review it, but they all did,” admitted Thomas Tuchel.

“I liked how we played. We knew it was a difficult opponent. [Uruguay head coach Marcelo] Bielsa told me months ago that he would arrive with his best team, take it very seriously, and maybe make no changes. We were very well aware of that.

“So, I think we did good. Everyone did good. We played as a team and brought the structure to life. I liked a lot of stuff today.”

(Action Images via Reuters)

Mike Jones31 March 2026 14:50

Tuchel's reflects on Uruguay draw

“I'm absolutely okay with our performance,” reflected Thomas Tuchel when asked about England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay las Friday.

“I liked how we brought the structure to life. We tried and we tried, and we were the better team I think overall.

“We had some big chances from set pieces. The biggest chance was with Dominic Calvert-Lewin after 60 minutes. Then we were forced into changes –we lost Noni Madueke and Phil Foden through injuries, so it was a lot.

"Then we had a lot of new players and we changed a lot of new players, so for all that, I’m very grateful for the test and very happy with the performance.

"Competition to make the squad for the World Cup this summer is high, as the England boss reiterated prior to March international camp."