Japan vs England

[Burgs]

Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, venue, odds today
"The Standard", UK

England are today in Tokyo to face Japan in a one-off summer Test match.

Steve Borthwick’s side have two tough clashes against the formidable New Zealand to come in Dunedin on July 6 and Auckland on July 13, as as part of their preparation take on the Brave Blossoms on Japanese soil - scene of the 2019 World Cup, where they lost agonisingly to South Africa in the final in Yokohama.

The presence of Eddie Jones back as Japan head coach adds another intriguing subplot to Saturday’s showdown, with the former long-serving England boss having been confirmed in the role back in December only two months after resigning from Australia following a dismal World Cup campaign.

England have named a strong side to face Japan and will want to make a statement in advance of that series in New Zealand, having followed up their shock run to the World Cup semi-finals in France in the autumn with an improved Six Nations performance in which they spoiled Ireland’s dreams of back-to-backs Grand Slams before almost overcoming France in a last-day thriller in Paris.

They also edged out early wins over Italy and Wales before being bested again by Scotland in the Calcutta Cup, having seen influential captain Owen Farrell stand down from international duty in a bid to prioritise his mental health.

Japan - who also have Georgia and Italy on their summer schedule before a tricky autumn series in which they play New Zealand, France and England again, this time at Twickenham - beat Tonga last summer to go with losses to Samoa, Fiji and Italy, going on to finish third in their pool at the World Cup to ensure qualification for the 2027 tournament.

The Brave Blossoms beat both Chile and Samoa, though lost to Argentina and fell to a scrappy 34-12 defeat by England in Nice, where Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes, Freddie Steward and Joe Marchant all scored tries to go along with 14 points from the boot of George Ford.

Japan vs England date, kick-off time and venue

Japan vs England takes place today, Saturday June 22, 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 2:50pm local time - which is 6:50am BST in the UK.

The game will be held at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.

On Stan 1:40 today

[todd4]

England did a good job demolishing Japan. Normally I would have supported the under-dog but after Eddies' deceitful behaviour I was happy enough to see England win. Their no.10 Marcus Smith had a good game, desite his yellow card. His kicking in general play was excellent. The series England v NZ should be great viewing. I'll probably be barracking for England as I'm done with the Kiwis winning everything to do with rugby.