Guehi tells England to ‘stick together’ after World Cup warm-up loss to Japan

Marc Guehi said England must “stick together” after Tuesday’s World Cup warm-up defeat to Japan.

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma’s goal in the 23rd minute was enough for an impressive Japanese victory at Wembley, as England suffered their first defeat to an Asian country.

England’s final match before Thomas Tuchel named his World Cup squad left the manager with more questions than answers as a team without senior players Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, John Stones and Jude Bellingham struggled to impose themselves against Japan.

“We cannot soften it,” said England’s stand-in captain Guehi. “It’s always disappointing.

«You want to win those games, but the most important thing is that you go to the World Cup and are ready for it.»

The Manchester City defender added: “I think we’ve shown that in recent years, where the last few games before the tournament might not have been the best, but we’ve shown what we’re ready for.

“It is important that we remain calm, we support each other and stay together in these moments because it is clearly not easy.

“But like I said, perspective, that’s one for me.”

Guehi, who led England in Kane’s absence, said he was surprised by Tuchel’s decision to make him captain.

“It was unexpected in the first place, I didn’t realize it until before the game,” he said. “Then he told me.

“I expected it to be Pickers (England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford) because why wouldn’t it be?

«It’s such a blessing, I’m really grateful. It’s not something I’ve ever thought about, so it’s really special to me.»

England, runners-up at the 2024 European Championship, are among the top contenders for glory in North America as they seek to win a first World Cup since 1966.

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But Japan’s loss and Friday’s 1-1 draw against typically physical Uruguay meant England under Tuchel still have to beat a team in the top 20 of the FIFA world rankings.

“It doesn’t worry me,” Tuchel said of his performances against leading nations.

«I’m disappointed with the result, everyone is, but I think it’s worth putting it into perspective,» he added, as the German was unable to field his favorite team against Japan.

“We played against two teams from the top 20,” Tuchel said. «Well trained, very good opponents, who arrived in their best formation.»

Published on April 1, 2026