Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu has urged his squad to demonstrate their capability to compete at the highest level during the World Cup by overcoming a “challenging match” against England at Wembley.
The Samurai Blue face Thomas Tuchel’s team after achieving an unexpected 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Although England will be without several regulars from the Premier League — including Arsenal players Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke, who have all withdrawn — Moriyasu is confident that another impressive performance from his team will set a benchmark for the summer.
“I believe we can perform in the best possible environment,” Moriyasu stated at a press conference. “It is crucial to continue enhancing our current skills.
“By facing world-class England, we aim to showcase our strength through challenging encounters and assess how we can align with world-class and World Cup-winning standards.”
Japan is gearing up for their eighth consecutive World Cup finals and will be placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and the victor of the UEFA playoff final between Sweden and Poland.
While England — currently ranked fourth in the FIFA world rankings, having topped their qualifying group with a flawless record and without conceding a goal in eight matches — are viewed as one of the frontrunners to claim the trophy this summer, many would consider advancing to the knockout stage as a significant achievement for Japan.
Nonetheless, Moriyasu remains ambitious.
“I think most people [in Japan] believe it is impossible [for us to win the World Cup],” he remarked. “England is the favorite to win the World Cup, but we see ourselves as the dark horse.”
