Listless England edge out Japan

May 30th, 2010 | by: SoccerLimey |

Fabio capello japan

England’s warm up preparations stuttered to a close with a fortuitous 2-1 win against a feisty Japan team in Graz, Austria today. Fabio Capello has his work cut out to try to rekindle England’s qualifying form as their opponents scored all three goals. Japan took the lead in the 7th minute as a training ground move from a corner kick was crisply fired into David James’s left hand corner by Marcus Tanaka. Despite a missed penalty by Frank Lampard, England equalized on 71 mins as Tanaka scored on his own team with a poor header and a second own goal from Nakazawa on 83 mins gave England the undeserved win.

Fabio Capello started with Theo Walcott on the right and Aaron Lennon out left with Wayne Rooney and Darren Bent providing the strikeforce up front. Tom Huddlestone settled into the middle as England went with the standard 4-4-2. Japan started brightly and were much quicker to the ball as England struggled to keep possession and it was no surprise that the Asian side took the lead after only 7 minutes. A corner from Yasuhito Endo was fired into the bottom left corner by Marcus Tanaka off the toes of Glen Johnson and through the grasp of David James and Ashley Cole who was parked on the post.

Theo Walcott was having a torrid time on England’s right flank as Japanese defenders continually closed him down as soon as he got the ball, and with England playing their first game with the “Jubilani” , Adidas’s specially designed tournament ball, it was clear that they were not comfortable in possession. Aaron Lennon should have scored on 18 mins as Rooney drooped deep to collect the ball and released Lennon on the left but the Tottenham winger could only fire directly at Kawashima.

England’s defense looked shaky which was evident on 19 mins as a wild swing from Rio Ferdinand almost let in Okazaki but he wasted the chance high and wide. There was a distinct lack of intensity from England’s midfield as Japan showed much more desire to win the ball and a 23 min dipping free-kick from Lampard was fumbled away by Kawashima but chances were seemingly harder to come by. Lennon struggled to get into the action on the left and Walcott appeared totally lethargic. As with Mexico, England toiled heavily to contend with Japan’s quick, crisp passing game as Bent and Huddlestone became almost anonymous. Even the most die-hard England fan must have wondered where England’s goals would come from with such a lackluster display.

Japan were content to sit on their lead and hit England on the break and looked very comfortable doing so, and with Lampard looking isolated in midfield, England could not get going. Fabio Capello’s strained shouts from the sidelines became more animated as the half wore on and it was clear the Italian was furious with his team. Rooney was dropping deeper and deeper into midfield just to get the ball, and after 38 mins Tom Huddlestone finally announced his presence with a low shot that Rooney tried to deflect in.

Lennon, when given the ball, caused Japan problems on the left and England’s best moves came down that side but his touches were few and far between. With this only being England’s 3rd game together in 2010, it was clear that there was little cohesion in midfield compounded by very little movement off the ball. Thankfully, the first half ended to allow Capello to regroup with Japan very comfortable with a 1-0 lead. It was clear that England’s dressing room was not the place to be if you wore a red shirt and your first name was Darren. Bent looked totally out of his depth and won’t be on the plane next week.

Fabio Capello brought on Joe Hart, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Shawn Wright-Phillips, and Joe Cole to start the second half. Off went David James, Tom Huddlestone, Glen Johnson, Theo Walcott, and Darren Bent with Aaron Lennon switching to the right. Five minutes after the restart, Japan caused further concern amongst the England faithful as midfielder Honda fired in a 30-yard drive which was tipped over by Joe Hart. Increased England activity in the second half looked promising, and after 53 mins, they had a glorious chance to tie up the game. Two winning challenges from Shawn Wright-Phillips led to a free kick outside the Japan penalty area and from the ensuing shot, Honda positioned in the wall, mysteriously punched the ball away giving England a penalty. Lampard stepped up and fired a low shot to his left forcing a great save from 3rd choice keeper Kawashima to add to the Three Lions misery.

The lack of a big striker was becoming increasingly costly although Wright-Phillips was steadily playing himself onto the plane in place of Walcott. Capello’s sideline frustrations boiled over as he and Japanese coach Takedi Okada remonstrated with each other as Lampard felled Honda with an elbow. A nice move from Lennon on 62 mins gave Rooney some space to move but he was quickly closed down by the Japanese defense. Japan replaced Okazaki and Matsui with Okubu and Morimoto to give Japan some added energy as England were slowly gaining space on the flanks. Ferdinand and Terry were again caught napping on 66 mins as Morimoto found himself alone 10 yards out and only a smart save from Joe Hart kept the ball out. Rooney’s hard work nearly paid off after 68 mins when he fashioned a curling shot just parried away by Kawashima at the last minute and England gratefully accepted a gift equalizer on 71 mins as a curling low cross from Joe Cole on the right was turned into his own net by Tanaka. It was hardly what Japan deserved but England now were starting to control a tiring Japan midfield.

Emile Heskey came on for Aaron Lennon on 74 mins to allow Capello to revert back to his 4-4-2 with the big striker up front. A neat link up between Gerrard and Rooney outside the Japan box nearly led to reward but things got too tight and the move fizzled out. England took the lead on 83 mins as again a low curling cross, this time from the left from Ashley Cole, wasn’t dealt with by Japan and Nakazawa clipped it into the left hand corner. England were now ahead and looked decidedly more relaxed and only a point blank miss from Heskey with two minutes to go prevented them from increasing their lead.

Japan’s only real reply came in the form of a curling header from Abe which bounced off the top of Hart’s crossbar but a relieved England saw out the clock without too much more effort.

In conclusion, a poor effort all around against a team that should, at this stage of preparations, be pushed aside comfortably. It is obvious that we cannot play effectively without a big striker, and the lack of a ball winner in midfield allowed Japan to keep possession for long periods without being challenged. The two warm up games only provided Capello with more questions than answers and the parties who seem to be best served at the end of these games will be England’s Group opponents in South Africa who must now believe they can beat this underachieving England team.

Thanks to Ethan and Rob for walking us all through the chaotic 90 minutes on LiveBlog today.

I guess we wait now for Tuesday when Capello announces his 23 man squad.

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http://japan.worldcupblog.org/ Aidan

England were well short of their best, but Japan played well. But England should really have been able to win with a bit more ease, and were lucky in the end.

It has raised lots of questions for Fabio, but perhaps it has answered some too. His attempts at new formations haven’t been overly successful and therefore he may well conclude that the formation that saw England through the qualifiers is the one to go with.

For a review from Japan’s point of view, have a look at http://japan.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/3-goals-for-japan-beaten-but-signs-of-encouragement.html
Joshua

It seems a little odd hearing him referred to as Marcus Tanaka, as he typically goes by just “Tulio” (I guess one of his parents were big Cicero fans?).

Japan was its typical self. A breakdown in defense in the second half is normal for the Japanese national team. England pressed more in the second half, and there was a distinct difference in their midfield presence, which was lacking in the 1st half. Rooney was not super impressive, and I think his anger in the 2nd half seemed to throw him off his game, as he was trying to accomplish too much.

Japan will have little to be excited about from this result, though the Kawashima save on the England penalty kick will give him some confidence in the goal. He seemed to block everything that England threw at him, unfortunately the Japanese defense put some his way too.

Nice recap though, enjoyed the post.
http://adidas-skycomic.jp/ Hello

Yeah not only that but the name on the back of his shirt says Tulio anyway.
Figo

England sucks!

The portuguese are going to win it all because we have Ronaldo and Nani. We play beautiful fluid football.
http://japan.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/3-goals-for-japan-beaten-but-signs-of-encouragement.html John

So Japan did what England could not they turned up as both oponents and also as England players and taught them how to play and score goals. Pity that two of them went into the wrong net or were they perhaps trying to prevent the England players from crying in their tea. As a Scot we understand that our team is crap with some premadonnas. England have never woken up to the fact that for a long time now their team is like ours, basically crap with some some good individuals but good individuals cannot and do not form a team except in name only. Conclusion from last few games EARLY BATH.
Omg

SoccerLimey, biggest fucking downer ever, shut the fuck up and grow some balls you dumb stupid idiot..
Figo, are you fucking stupid? Portugal barely qualified, and to add to that they fucking tied Cape Verde 0-0
People are stupid these days
return of Lotto

england is overrated..everytime they arrive with a hype..watch out the americans humiliate england..and also slovenia..england to finish second in the group and go out in last 16
http://soccerlimeyinamerica.com SoccerLimey

Your E-Mail address says it all…………
Finnegan

Am I the only one who sees that a BUNCH of Americans seem to be under the delusion that the USA national team is good? MLS and soccer in general has really grown in the USA the past four years, and in that time a lot of Americans have really turned into supporters of the MLS and the USA national team – without having watched the rest of the world’s leagues and national teams.

I have a bad feeling like a LOT of Americans are going to be very, very disappointed when their hopes of semifinals or finals of the World Cup are abruptly ended by England on day two of the tournament.

Return of Lotto, you have to be mad to think the USA will beat England when we lost convincingly to the Czech Republic (who basically has no good players and didn’t even qualify for the tournament).
http://soccerlimeyinamerica.com SoccerLimey

I think it will be easier against the USA than it was against either Mexico or Japan. They play a similar style to us and Bradley likes to tuck in his full backs so Lennon and co will have acres of space to play in. I might even consider starting A Johnson in that game.
Keys4U

4th match for England: versus Germany.

And England will see how much nicer their country is compared to South Africa. And follow suit.
Johnny b BAD

I watched an MLS game yesterday… what a horror show!

If that’s the type of quality that the USA national team is built upon, then I’m not worried in the slightest.

Only wish A. Johnson had gotten a run out today; I can’t see him making the trip to South Africa now… pity!
http://soccerlimeyinamerica.com SoccerLimey

Most of the US team play abroad. I agree that the MLS is not one of the top level leagues in the world but it provides a fair foundation for their young players.
Figo

Fooooorrrccaaaaaaaaaaaa Portugal.

WE may not be the best at football but we have the ugliest men alove and that means that dont mind to get all scrappy and torn up because weel they are disgusting to start with.
http://www.redcardfc.com redcardfc

We have got the talent – hopefully we can get it together in a couple of weeks time!!!! From the Red Card Football Clothing team.
http://darco20worldcup.blogspot.com Derek

Most of the US team players play abroad, specifically in Europe, they were just developed through the MLS…

In reference to the game, England did not play well at all, half the team didn’t even appear to show up. On the other hand, Japan played well the first half, but then started to fall apart in the closing minutes. England got lucky and I’m sure Capello had a few short words with the players after the game.

http://darco20worldcup.blogspot.com
Level7

Figo….stay off the crack man!
Joseph

Figo- I keep hearing about how powerful the 3 lions are but they barely eeked by Japan…

the goal they produced themselves was a fluke, they missed a pk from a double richochet hand-ball, and was given 2 own goals gift…yeah theyre awesome…

VS the USA dont mistake more publicity ( England) with more skill and talent…most of the US men play in the same leagues at the same level as the players from the Lions

r u sure youre not on crack?????C’mon

USA-2 England -1 Go Yanks!!!!!!!
Joseph

oops! sorry Figo my blog should have been address to Level 7,Finnegan and Johnny b bad as well as the the rest of those who think England is in the “group of life”….the 3 lions have an ego and self esteem problem…lots of individual talent but not alot of team unity…I agree the MLS is a work in progress but they must be doing something right cuz the USA has qualified for the last 5 WC …can’t say the same for England can we…The US has dominated their region for the last ten years cant say the same for England can we..

I cant wait to see the brits get the shit kicked out of them and finish 3rd in the group..they’re achilles heel is their temper…if pressed they’ll fall apart and lose!!!! big!!!
Level7

@ Joseph…When did I say anything about the English national team?!?! I don’t even support them! I was referring to the cryptic dribble of Figo’s last post. You twat! Get a grip!
Razzer

Every team qualifying for the Finals of a World Cup should be viewed with respect. Sometimes the ‘New Kids on the Block’ do pull good results. Anything can happen and yes, sometimes we expect too much from our teams. On this occasion however, irrespective of ‘friendly matches’ that mean F-all, England, Spain and Holland have flown into the finals against fair opposition. Don’t underestimate anybody but least of all these teams. When any of them ‘get it on’ it will be down to who has the tactical advantage and self belief on the day. I cannot see any other team winning it this year except one of these three.
http://betting.betfair.com/world-cup-betting/ World Cup odds watcher

Awful, awful game. The USA must now think they have a real chance of beating England. Capello has some series work to do.
http://www.ausitalia.com David

I think the English media must create the hype. They really do NOT have a hope of anything past a quarter final.
They have not beaten a decent team in years and won’t with this team.
Capello is a great coach but I think even he is already starting to plan his next contract (Inter Milan).
You can tell he doesnt have confidence in England. he is just a marketer, much like the ENglish FA, Pommy media etc.
Algeria, USA and Slovenia are all capable of defeating this England team, and after this cup…its stars will be finished.
Willie Jo Cleavermeat

Where do you get the idea that Americans think our national team is anything special, or that MLS is anything other than a joke?

I have the opportunity to watch matches from MLS, BPL, La Liga, and Serie A…and what do I watch, who do I support. The BPL and Tottenham. MLS is ridiculous joke, played on shit grounds, with distracting american football markings on several. It’s almost unwatchable. I’ve seen likely 80% of all the BPL matches in the last several years.

But make no mistake, as the game grows in the US, we WILL be a powerhouse at some point…the population/talent pool is just too deep not to be. When/if the most talented young athletes in the US choose to pursue footie as their first sport, rather than american football, baseball, or basketball then the rest of the world will have a bit of a problem on it’s hands. That said, the current squad DID beat Spain, let’s not forget, when Spain was easily the best national squad in the world.

So, England. The goofy looking italian man is still experimenting, the players have not gelled yet (and won’t until the squad is set). I like their chances to make the quarters, beyond that they will need a bit of luck.
Hal

@Figo

Put down the pipe!
http://www.rentbuddy.co.uk tajmeister

Lets start to think constructively and do something to help our team ENGLAND! – I’m sure the team in Capello’s head is clear to him – most probably, the team shapes he used in the qualifiers with a goalkeeper and striking partnership change.

As Capello said, the most important thing to further our chances is to play like a premiership team. Can I suggest that supporters in the ground create a premiership-like atmosphere. What I mean is player focused chants + anthems… BUT no brass bands so what I mean is NO BRASS BANDS or hooters and the like – to clarify again, NO BRASS BANDS. I was at the last world cup and I think generating a festival atmosphere in the ground encourages english players to slow down and slow down some more. We will never play like the spanish or brazilian, do A few tricks like we’re in a street carnival, and have a little dance in between each pass. We will never inevitably score like the brazilians. We need to force the ball into the net with pace, power and aggression. Its difficult for the FA or Capello to ask for changes in the crowd (as opposed to the team) so lets try changing things from bottom up.

Pass and move at a 100mph (about 60% of the time), until we’re tired and then ask to get subbed off. Its our best strategy.
moneo

i hope england gets knocked out the 1st round. The english press has been negative about an african country hosting the tournament. They depending on Wayne Rooney a player who hasnt scoRed in all friendly matches they played. THIS IS N0T THE ENGLISH LEAGUE, THIS IS THE W0RLD CUP… S0UTH AFRICA ALL THE WAY
Foggy

England will win the World cup… if Crouchy plays!
vN

Doesn’t bode well does it? The players looked tired and uninterested. More than anything, I’m hoping that they effect some more urgency in the final third when the games proper start, and a bit more intelligence in the passing too.

Ah b*llocks to it: bring on the World Cup! Come on boys!
http://england.worldcupblog.org Ethan Dean-Richards

I’m going with the old: it’ll turn out alright once they get into competetive action.

Fingers crossed, eyes closed.
Keys4U

… and Beckham will weep and vomit yet again …
http://www.toetoeshoes.com jordan sneakers

i hope england gets knocked out the 1st round. The english press has been negative about an african country hosting the tournament. They depending on Wayne Rooney a player who hasnt scoRed in all friendly matches they played.
Fredo

Hi guys, here (http://www.mixin.com/users/worldcup_england) is the schedule of England matches… they will be great if anybody wants to add some pictures or vidéos^^
surrendermokee

hey, joseph? the shit u posted on the 31st of may….england is gonna win this world cup, and they r no way gonna finish third in their round, alright? i tell u who are…Australia.