Five things we learned from England's defeat to Japan

Harry Kane’s absence underlined just how thin England’s forward options look when he is unavailable. Kane missed the friendly with a minor issue and was rested as a precaution, leaving England without their focal point and on‑pitch leader. Phil Foden was asked to operate as a false nine but struggled to influence the game, and England failed to register a single shot on target in a lifeless first half, a clear sign of how reliant Thomas Tuchel’s side remain on Kane. With the World Cup approaching and no natural like‑for‑like replacement stepping up, Tuchel must surely consider turning to an experienced, orthodox striker such as Danny Welbeck or Ollie Watkins as Kane's understudy.

England again struggled against a low block, with Japan disciplined in their defensive shape throughout. England had nearly 70  per cent possession yet created few real chances. Their lack of cutting edge was also evident in Friday's 1‑1 draw with Uruguay, against another organised, counter‑attacking side. It is a warning sign ahead of the World Cup. England's group opponents Croatia, Ghana and Panama can be expected to play with a low or mid block. Tuchel must find a way to turn possession into goals this summer.

Lewis Hall was the one England player to emerge with any real credit, looking calm and assured at left‑back after coming on for Nico O’Reilly. O’Reilly found it particularly hard going against Japan’s Ritsu Dōan, who caused the Manchester City youngster a few problems. Hall’s composure and balance on the ball made a clear difference, and on this evidence he should now be the leading left‑back option for the World Cup.