kaoru mitoma says a small psychological edge could help Japan when they meet England at Wembley, after a morale-boosting win and recent club conversations on his fitness. He played as a substitute in Japan’s friendly victory at Hampden Park and will test his form against England on Tuesday at Wembley. Brighton and Hove Albion staff and Japan’s medical team have been linked in exchanges over his condition.
Match form, the Wembley test and a tactical edge
Mitoma came on at half-time in Japan’s 1-0 friendly win at Hampden Park and was active in the move that produced Junya Ito’s late winner. He reflected on the Scotland game: “In the second half we opened up quite a bit and created many chances, which was good because we won. But it would have been better if we had made it 2-0 or 3-0… Scotland aren’t easy to play against. It was a difficult game and it’s great we won. “
Looking ahead to England at Wembley, Mitoma was clear on the plan: “Against England, I want us to be even more aggressive in our defending and see how much we can win the ball back. In attack, there may not be many chances, but I want to test the quality of those we do create. ” He added a revealing tactical thought: “Some of the England players know me, so if they are wary of me, I think I can use that to my advantage. ” That admission frames Japan’s approach as partly psychological as well as tactical.
Kaoru Mitoma: fitness, club contact and recovery
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed there had been communication between the club and Japan’s medical team: “We had an exchange with the Japanese medical department, so they know how much he trained in the last week. I hope it doesn’t only count for Japan but for all the national teams, that they take care of our players because I think we give them in really good shape to them and hopefully they come back in good shape. Therefore, everyone has responsibility now. “
Mitoma has been managing an ankle issue that has interrupted his season. He returned to action as a substitute in Brighton’s 2-1 win over Liverpool and has since linked up with his national team for the friendlies at Hampden Park and Wembley. The club briefing and Hurzeler’s comments make clear that both club and country are monitoring workload closely.
Immediate reactions from the camp and a missing Albion colleague
Mitoma swapped shirts at full-time with Billy Gilmour after the friendly at Hampden Park, a small post-match moment that underlined his positive display. Meanwhile, Albion midfielder Jack Hinshelwood was withdrawn from an international squad venture with an injury-related exit; head coach Lee Carsley said the player had left the squad through injury but did not expand on the detail.
Within the wider group of Albion internationals, players have seen varied minutes: some are starters for their countries, others are substitutes or unused, and club staff have been explicit about protective measures following recent spells on the sidelines.
On the eve of the Wembley meeting, Mitoma’s message is straightforward: press to regain possession, test chances when they arrive and exploit any familiarity opponents may have with him. The combination of recent match sharpness and the club-to-country medical exchange sets the scene for a measured but ambitious outing.
Closing line: kaoru mitoma believes his known profile among England players can be turned into an on-field advantage at Wembley as he seeks to prove his fitness and quality in a high-profile friendly.
