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England vs Japan Predictions & Betting Tips - International Friendly Draw Tipped

alex-waite
Editor
Last updated: Mon 30 Mar 2026 10:10
In an international friendly against Japan, England is expected to make significant squad rotations. The Three Lions have struggled to pose a threat against Uruguay in a previous match, indicating potential challenges in breaking down Japan's solid defense. Analysts predict a draw as a likely outcome, with both teams maintaining discipline on the field. Betting insights suggest a 1-1 draw at 8 odds as a speculative choice.
Alex Waite 30 Mar 2026
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  • England were held to a 1-1 draw against Uruguay
  • Japan haven’t lost in 10 of their last 11 games
  • An International Friendly draw has value
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England
England are winless in their last 2 home International Friendlies (Getty)

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England were uninspiring against Uruguay last time out and several Three Lions players have withdrawn from the squad. Japan are a team on the up and can hold England to an international friendly draw.

Japan Unbeaten in 5


  • England are winless in their last 2 home International Friendlies.
  • England are unbeaten in their last 3 matches against Japan.
  • Japan are unbeaten in 5 consecutive games. 

H2H 


England have a 2-0 advantage against Japan, alongside one draw. 

England Show Weaknesses at Home


Thomas Tuchel’s England have failed to win in three of their last 15 matches. Two defeats and one draw came at home during that run.

The Three Lions lost 2-1 at home to Greece in the Nations League and fell to a 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal. England were outplayed against Senegal and allowed 1.86 XG.

Tuchel’s side drew 1-1 at Wembley against Uruguay on Friday. England struggled to create and Ben White opened the scoring on 81 minutes before Uruguay scored an injury-time penalty. 

Japan Are Looking Strong


Japan are in strong long-term form and are undefeated in 22 of their last 24 in all competitions.

The Samurai Blue are on a five-match unbeaten run, which started with a 2-2 draw with Paraguay. Japan followed that stalemate with four consecutive wins, including victories over Brazil 3-2, Ghana 2-0 and Bolivia 3-0.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side continued their impressive recent form with a 1-0 win in Scotland. Japan were on top with 2.13 XG and 18 shots and Junya Ito scored an 84th-minute winner. 

Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News


England (4-3-2-1): Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, James Garner; Jarrod Bowen, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Jason Steele, James Trafford
Defenders: Harry Maguire, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Ben White, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, Lewis Hall, Nico O'Reilly
Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, Elliot Anderson, James Garner
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, Dominic Solanke, Harvey Barnes

Eight England players withdrew from international duty due to injury on Saturday. Midfielder Declan Rice, forwards Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke and defender John Stones were among the withdrawals. 

Japan (3-4-2-1): Zion Suzuki; Shogo Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Hiroki Ito; Yukinari Sugawara, Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Karou Mitoma; Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda

Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa
Defenders: Yukinari Sugawara, Shogo Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Junnosuke Suzuki, Daiki Hashioka
Midfielders: Kaishu Sano, Joel Chima Fujita, Kaoru Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Kodai Sano, Ryunosuke Sato
Forwards: Yuito Suzuki, Shuto Machino, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Koki Ogawa, Keisuke Goto, Kento Shiogai

Attacker Junya Ito is likely to start after scoring in his last two games for club and country. 

Verdict

England were unthreatening against Uraguay and the Three Lions are likely to rotate heavily again. Japan are a solid team that gives little away and an international friendly draw is the best bet.

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