England captain Harry Kane had to miss the World Cup warm-up friendly against Japan because of injury.
Kane, who only joined the squad at the weekend after being rested for the first half of the international camp, picked up a “minor issue” in training and was not named in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI at Wembley.
The Bayern Munich striker, who has stayed with the squad for further assessment, has been in spectacular form for his club this season, scoring 48 goals in 40 games and would have been hoping to add to his tally of 78 international goals.
His absence gave an unexpected opportunity for Phil Foden to strengthen his chances of making the summer tournament as he started in a false nine position.
Your #ThreeLions to take on Japan! ✨ pic.twitter.com/nYTgiTwgvH
— England (@England) March 31, 2026
Foden had failed to make an impact in the number 10 position in Friday’s match against Uruguay, leaving his place in doubt, but now gets the opportunity to impress slightly further up the pitch.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo earns his first start since September 2024 in the midfield alongside the recalled Elliot Anderson.
Jordan Henderson, who also has a minor injury, is the latest name to join the list of players leaving camp, with Arsenal trio Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice heading back to their club at the weekend.
The veteran has returned to Brentford for treatment.
Marc Guehi captains the side, with Ben White, who was roundly booed by an unforgiving Wembley crowd on Friday, handed a start.
Jordan Pickford, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon also came into the starting line-up.
