England vs Japan Preview & Prediction | 2023 Rugby World Cup | Pool Stage
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THE FACTS
When is England vs Japan on and what time does it start? England vs Japan will take place on Sunday 17th September, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is England vs Japan taking place? England vs Japan will take place at Allianz Riviera in Nice, France
Where can I get tickets for England vs Japan? Click here for the latest ticket information for England vs Japan
What channel is England vs Japan on in the UK? England vs Japan will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream England vs Japan in the UK? England vs Japan can be streamed live on ITVX
THE SQUADS
ENGLAND
Starting 15: Freddie Steward, Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly, George Ford, Alex Mitchell, Lewis Ludlam, Ben Earl, Courtney Lawes, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Kyle Sinckler Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Martin, Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs, Marcus Smith, Ollie Lawrence
JAPAN
Starting 15: Semisi Masirewa, Kotaro Matsushima, Tomoki Osada, Ryoto Nakamura, Jone Naikabula, Rikiya Matsuda, Yutaka Nagare, Kazuki Himeno, Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch, Amato Fakatava, Jack Cornelsen, Jiwon Gu, Shota Horie, Keita Inagaki
Replacements: Atsushi Sakate Craig Millar Asaeli Ai Valu Warner Dearns Kanji Shimokawa Naoto Saito Dylan Riley, Lomano Lemeki
THE LOWDOWN
ENGLAND
England overcame an early red card as they produced arguably their best performance under Steve Borthwick to defeat Argentina. Tom Curry was given his marching orders for a high shot and will be banned for this contest but the defensive efforts of the English could well have shown the way they need to play if they are to go deep in this tournament.
JAPAN
Japan did not look like the same team that have produced some hugely impressive performances in the past couple of Rugby World Cups despite beating Chile last week. The Cherry Blossoms ultimately ran out 42-12 victors but were far from convincing and the pressure will be on here against an England side that will look to draw them into a grind.
THE PREDICTION
England showed an incredible amount of character as they stifled the challenge of Argentina despite playing almost the entire game with 14 men. They only conceded one try - in the final minute of the game - in what was a brilliant performance and having laid the foundations of a way of playing that looks to suit the current squad, England back that effort up to run out comfortable winners in this clash with Japan.
BETTING TIP: England -20
