England vs Japan: Major audition for right-back role against Kaoru Mitoma
As the Three Lions prepare to host Japan at Wembley, the tactical focus shifts to a high-stakes vacancy on the defensive flank
As Thomas Tuchel continues to mould the England national team squad in his own tactical image, the arrival of Japan presents a unique riddle for a defence that remains in transition.
While the visitors are renowned for their collective discipline and high-intensity pressing, the individual threat posed by Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma offers a major test for the England backup right-back spot that is currently open.
Mitoma has been one of the Premier League’s top left wingers since joining Brighton in 2021, renowned for his direct dribbling at speed, and comfortable both going on the outside as well as cutting onto his preferred right foot, making Tuesday’s friendly a potentially decisive audition from an England perspective.
With presumptive starter Reece James sidelined through injury, the battle to secure the primary backup slot has reached a fever pitch, turning a Tuesday night exhibition into a definitive screening for the final squad.
The selection dilemma facing Tuchel is sharpened by the conspicuous absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold from the forefront of the coach’s current plans.
The German head coach appears to value positional discipline and one-on-one defensive solidity above all else, effectively pushing one of England’s most creative talents to the periphery of the squad in favour of solidity.
This philosophical shift has opened a corridor for candidates such as Ben White, Tino Livramento, and Djed Spence to prove they can handle the unique rigors of elite international football against a winger who has consistently embarrassed Premier League defenders.
Right-back selection hinges on defensive solidity
The audition is essentially a three-way fight between players with vastly different professional trajectories. White’s return to the international fold has been the most discussed narrative of the current camp, as his versatility and top-level experience with Arsenal make him a useful tool.
“First of all, I think everyone deserves a second chance,” said Tuchel. “Second, I don’t know exactly what happened. I was also not 100 per cent interested because I wanted to open a new page and a new book and a new opportunity.
“Once I asked Ben if he would be ready to play for me and for England, he straightaway, without hesitation, said he would love to come back and was desperate to come back.”
However, the German is equally intrigued by the raw athleticism and recovery speed of Spence, as well as the balanced, modern profile offered by Newcastle’s Livramento.
“I know what Trent can give us so the choice was for Ben and Tino Livramento, to stick with the guys who had a good camp with us in September, November, December. Djed Spence as well,” Tuchel added.
“I know it creates noise when you leave a player like Trent out. We had a call, I tried to explain the situation. He just has to accept it.”
When and where to watch England vs Japan
The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:45 BST on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at Wembley Stadium. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be broadcast live on ITV1, with streaming available via ITVX. Coverage is set to begin at 19:00 BST.
In the United States, fans can catch the action via beIN SPORTS, which will be providing live coverage and a free stream on their YouTube channel (beIN SPORTS XTRA). The kick-off time for US audiences is 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT.
