England lost 0-1 to Japan at home, Premier League winger Mitoma scored the winning goal, Japan aims for World Cup championship.

At 2:45 AM Beijing time on April 1st, a highly anticipated international friendly match kicked off at London's Wembley Stadium. The world-ranked 4th England team hosted the rapidly progressing Japan team, considered the top-tier force in Asia (world-ranked 19th). Ultimately, thanks to a decisive strike in the first half by forward Kaoru Mitoma, who plays for Premier League club Brighton, Japan upset England with a 1-0 victory, achieving a historic first-ever win over the "Three Lions".

From the start of the match, the home team England took control with their strong lineup. They maintained high possession and continuously pressured Japan, but faced with Japan's well-organized defensive system, they struggled to create clear scoring chances. England had multiple shooting opportunities, but their finishing accuracy was severely lacking; in the first half, they had 7 shots with none hitting the target, showing extremely low offensive efficiency.

The turning point of the match occurred in the 23rd minute. England midfielder Palmer was dispossessed while carrying the ball forward, and Japan instantly launched a quick counterattack. Keito Nakamura advanced with the ball on the left flank and delivered a precise low cross, which bypassed England's defense line and found the unmarked Kaoru Mitoma. The Brighton star calmly followed up and pushed the ball into the net, 1-0! This goal not only broke the deadlock but also ended England goalkeeper Pickford's 922-minute streak of not conceding a goal for the national team.

After conceding, England continued to dominate possession but still lacked solutions in attack. Throughout the match, they fired 19 shots but only managed 4 on target, with most attempts being rushed and lacking threat. In contrast, Japan executed their tactics more efficiently. Despite having only about 30% possession, their defensive counterattacks were effective; not only did they score the winning goal, but Ueda also hit the crossbar in a counterattack, nearly extending the lead.

Throughout the match, Japan demonstrated world-class tactical discipline and mental strength. They were not passively defending; instead, based on solid defense, they created more clear chances than their opponent through precise passing and quick movement. This victory epitomizes the rise of Japanese football in recent years, as they have previously consecutively defeated world champion teams like Germany, Spain, and Brazil.

Finally, with the referee's whistle, Japan historically defeated England at Wembley Stadium. This victory is not only a pride for Japanese football but also announces to the world that Asia's top-tier football force now possesses the capability to compete head-to-head with any world powerhouse.

Starting lineups for both sides:

England starting lineup: 1-Pickford, 2-Consa, 3-O'Reilly, 4-Andersen, 5-Guehi, 7-Palmer, 8-Mainoo, 9-Foden, 12-Ben White, 14-Gordon, 15-Rogers

Japan starting lineup: 1-Suzuki Zion, 3-Taniguchi Shogo, 5-Watanabe Tsuyoshi, 7-Mitoma Kaoru, 10-Doan Ritsu, 13-Nakamura Keito, 14-Ito Junya, 15-Kamada Daichi, 18-Ueda Ayase, 21-Ito Hiroki, 24-Sano Kaishu

Match statistics:

England had 70% possession, with 19 total shots, only 4 of which were on target; Japan had 7 total shots, with 2 on target.

Personal viewpoint: Japan football legitimately defeated England in a head-to-head contest, without parking the bus, time-wasting, or engaging in physical battles; they even had two or three more clear chances than England, truly impressive. Asia's top-tier football force can rival any world powerhouse! Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu's statement about aiming for the World Cup championship is not empty talk but the genuine goal of the Japan team.