England face Japan in the first of two internationals in Spain over the next few days as Sarina Wiegman’s side continues to build towards next summer's World Cup finals.
But the Nadeshiko will be far from a walkover for the reigning European Champions. Japan’s squad is packed with talent from the world’s top leagues including some familiar faces from the WSL. So, let’s take a look at the team providing England’s first test in Murcia.
Who will provide the threat for Japan?
Historically, Japan have built attack-minded teams and head coach Futoshi Ikeda can still call upon one of the best forward lines in international football. This will be spearheaded by a player based in England and known to WSL fans, Arsenal ’s Mana Iwabuchi.
Technically gifted, Iwabuchi has hit 37 goals in 83 caps and England’s backline will have to be on top form to keep her quiet.
Forward Mina Tanaka will also be one to watch, the 28-year-old has an international goal ratio of above one in three with 23 goals in 60 appearances.
Manchester City ’s Yui Hasegawa has lit up the WSL since moving to England in 2021, first with West Ham before joining the Citizens. Hasegawa will look to pull the strings from midfield with former Asian Young Footballer of the Year Fuka Nagano.
Saki Kumagai will captain the side from defence, now a teammate of Georgia Stanway at Bayern Munich.
Two other WSL players could also feature in Spain, West Ham duo defender Risa Shimizu and midfielder Honoka Hayashi.
Japan’s international record
The most successful Asian nation in the women’s game, Japan have won two AFC Asian Cups and also finished runners-up at the 2012 Olympic Games and 2015 World Cup.
But the crowning achievement for Nadeshiko came in 2011 when they defeated USA on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes to win the World Cup in Germany. By doing so, they became only the fourth nation to be crowned world champions.
Previous meetings
The Lionesses do have history with the former world champions. Japan knocked England out of a World Cup semi-final back in 2015. Laura Bassett’s 92nd minute own goal cruelly denied Mark Sampson’s team a place in the final, with Japan going on to lose to USA.
However, this remains the only occasion Japan have claimed victory against England. In seven other clashes between the two nations, the Lionesses have won five, with two draws.
England have won the last three meetings.
Where can I watch?
You can catch England’s clash with Japan live on Friday night on ITV4, with kick-off at 7pm with coverage underway at 6:15pm.
