Guehi's Rallying Call: England to ‘Stick Together’ Despite Japan Defeat

England Tuesday's disappointing World Cup warm-up defeat to Japan

Marc Guehi reacts to England's loss against Japan in their final World Cup warm-up match. The defender calls for unity as preparations continue for the tournament.

England need to stick together following the 1-0 warm-up loss to Japan...

Marc Guehi is calling for unity among the England squad after their 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley. The Manchester City defender, who captained the team in Harry Kane's absence, acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the importance of sticking together ahead of the World Cup.

“We can't sugarcoat it, it's always disappointing,” Guehi said. “You want to be winning those games, but the most important thing is going to the World Cup and being ready for that.” Guehi added that England has shown in the past that they can bounce back from tough pre-tournament games, and it's crucial to stay calm and support each other.

Japan's Kaoru Mitoma scored the only goal of the game in the 23rd minute, and England struggled to create chances without key players like Kane, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka. Coach Thomas Tuchel admitted his side needs to improve, especially against top teams.

England's final game before Thomas Tuchel announces his World Cup squad has left him with more questions than answers. The team, missing key players like Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, and Jude Bellingham, struggled against Japan, losing 1-0.

The match highlighted England's reliance on its star players, with the team lacking creativity and punch in attack. Thomas Tuchel admitted the defeat was “painful” but hopes to learn from the experience. The England boss has a tough task ahead, with only two months to finalize his squad.

Thomas Tuchel's concerns include the form of players like Phil Foden, who struggled in the game, and the competition for places in midfield and attack. With the World Cup looming, England will need to find answers quickly.

“We can't sugarcoat it,” said stand-in England captain Guehi. “It's always disappointing.

“You want to be winning those games, but the most important (thing) is going to the World Cup and being ready for that.”

The Manchester City defender added: “I think we've shown that in previous years, where maybe the last few games before the tournament haven't been the best, but we've been there showing what we're ready to do.

“It's important we stay calm, we have each other's backs, stick together in these moments, because it's obviously not easy.

“But like I said, perspective, that's one for me.”

Marc Guehi was surprised when Thomas Tuchel named him England captain in Harry Kane's absence, saying “It was unexpected first and foremost, I didn’t realise until pre-match,” Tuchel told him the news. Guehi added, “It’s such a blessing, I am truly grateful. It’s not something I have ever thought about so it is really special for me.”

“I expected it to be Pickers (England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford), because why wouldn't it be?

England, the Euro 2004 runners-up, are among the top contenders for the World Cup in North America, aiming to win their first title since 1966. However, their recent performances under Thomas Tuchel have been underwilling, with a loss to Japan and a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, a physically strong team. Notably, England hasn't beaten a team in the top 20 of FIFA's world rankings under Tuchel.

Not our night, but plenty to learn from ahead of an exciting summer.

Thank you for your support throughout this camp, #ThreeLions fans ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4LdsgDTvyJ

— England (@England) March 31, 2026

The team's struggles were evident in their last two matches, highlighting concerns about their ability to perform against stronger opponents. Tuchel faces tough decisions in selecting his squad, with players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka vying for spots.

“It does not give me any concern,” Tuchel said of his record against leading nations.

“I'm disappointed with the result, everyone is, but I think it is worth to put it into perspective,” he added, with the German unable to field his preferred side against Japan.

“We played against two top-20 teams,” said Tuchel. “Well drilled, very good opponents, who arrived in their best line-up.”