ODDS and EVENS | Japan Soccer Squad Continues Ascent in the Global Pecking Order

In soccer, international friendlies can boost a team's confidence while providing opportunities to evaluate its overall strengths and weaknesses.

For Japan, the world's 18th-ranked men's national team squad, beating England 1-0 was a notable achievement on Monday, March 31. Even if it didn't take place in a major global competition, the exhibition match affirmed that Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu's tactics are working and elevating the team's status in soccer's global pecking order.

A come-from-behind 3-2 triumph over Brazil at Tokyo's National Stadium in October 2025 ― featuring three second-half goals for Japan ― was another recent reminder of the squad's ongoing growth in recent years. Any team can experience angst going up against five-time World Cup champion Brazil, even when numerous top Brazilian stars are not in the lineup.

Looking at Japan's performance curve over the past six months, it's trending in the right direction.

And clearly, the victory over England will be a positive catalyst for Moriyasu’s team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11-July 19) in North America.

A 1st-Ever Victory Over England

Winger Kaoru Mitoma, who plies his craft for the English Premier League's Brighton & Hove Albion, was Monday's hero for the Samurai Blue at Wembley Stadium, scoring a 23rd-minute goal on a counterattack.

In the fourth meeting between Japan and England, currently No 4 in the world, the Asian squad earned its first-ever victory over the latter. Heading into Monday's match, the Samurai Blue had been 0-2-1 versus the Three Lions. In the previous encounter, England topped Japan 2-1 in May 2010.

This time, England played without injured star striker/captain Harry Kane, a prolific goalscorer for German squad Bayern Munich. In addition, talented Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who have made 72 and 48 appearances, respectively, for the national team, were also sidelined with injuries. England had never lost to an Asian squad in 10 previous matches.

In the low-scoring match, Japan's high-energy play was a constant characteristic, as witnessed by 79,000-plus spectators at the London venue. Moreover, its mental fortitude contributed to the match having the result that Samurai Blue fans had hoped for.

soccer — *Samurai Blue boss Hajime Moriyasu (©SANKEI)*

"We had some great fighters today," said Moriyasu, according to Agence France-Presse.

Surprising nobody, the Japan manager added, "The win gives us confidence ahead of the World Cup."

How was this victory achieved?

"Our thorough commitment to the basics and attention to detail in our preparation led to today's result," Moriyasu told reporters. "As expected, there were many phases where we were under pressure from England. But the players endured those difficult moments patiently and made the most of the [scoring] chance they created.

"Throughout the match, they maintained concentration and fulfilled both their individual roles and our collective organization until the very end."

The Defining Moment Against England

Midfielder Keito Nakamura's pinpoint pass in the 18-yard box led to Mitoma's goal. That first-half play highlighted Nakamura's quick assessment of the situation and his snap judgment.

"I could have taken it myself, but it was difficult to force it in that situation," Nakamura said at Wembley Stadium. "And I also saw Mitoma free when I cut inside. It was a difficult pass, but he finished it well, so I'm pleased."

Looking back on the goal that beat England, Mitoma described it as "the kind of momentum we were looking for."

Mitoma said the goal "gave us some mental leeway."

Teammate Kaishu Sano, a forward/midfielder, opined that the timing of Mitoma's scoring play was a big deal.

"Being able to take a 1–0 lead in a game where a scoreless draw at halftime was acceptable was very significant," Sano said.

For Sano, other positive takeaways from this match were apparent.

"In the second half, there were aspects of our approach we could have adjusted, but it was good that we defended patiently as a team and managed to see the game out for the win," he said.

Carrying Momentum into Soccer Match Against England

Japan kicked off its trip to the United Kingdom with a match against Scotland on Saturday, March 28.

At Glasgow's Hampden Park, second-half substitute Junya Ito was the difference maker for the visitors. The veteran forward delivered the winning goal in the 84th minute, securing the 1-0 triumph on a "clinical finish from 12 yards (about 11 meters) out" past Angus Gunn, The Associated Press reported.

Kento Shiogai, a 21-year-old striker for Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, registered the assist.

Thanks to Ito's 15th goal in 68 national team appearances, Moriyasu walked off the pitch in an upbeat mood.

"I am very pleased to play in such a fantastic atmosphere," Moriyasu was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. "It was a tough game and we managed to keep a clean sheet. Toward the end, we changed the setup to get the goal. It was great for building confidence."

In recent years, there have been several Japanese players who have made an impact for the Scottish Premiership's Celtic FC, including Daizen Maeda, who was handed the captain's armband for this international friendly, and Kyogo Furuhashi.

For Maeda, the hard-fought win was a satisfying experience, and it underscored Japan's determination and competitive drive.

"As a team, we didn't score [in the first half]," Maeda said, according to the Glasgow Times. "But I think we were able to play in a way that is typical of Japan, where we fought tenaciously like in the Qatar World Cup and created chances in the second half."

Higher Expectations on the Global Stage

Japan, gearing up for its eighth consecutive World Cup, has never advanced past the round of 16 in its previous tournament appearances.

But it wouldn't be a shocking development if the Samurai Blue reach the quarterfinals this summer.

Moriyasu has molded a cohesive unit that blends discipline, teamwork and individual talent. The proof is in the numbers. In its 41 matches after the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Japan has had only five defeats.

Author: Ed Odeven

Follow Ed's [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and he can be found on X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.

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