Midfielder Ao Tanaka featured as Japan secured a historic 1-0 victory over England at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Leeds United man was introduced in the second half, playing 19 minutes as Japan held firm to record a landmark win in an international friendly - part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

It marks the first time Japan have beaten England, and notably the Three Lions' first loss to a team from Asia.

Japan, ranked 19th in the world, produced a disciplined performance against the fourth-ranked hosts, with the decisive moment arriving in the 23rd minute. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma finished clinically to give the visitors a lead they would not relinquish.

Tanaka was introduced late on by head coach Hajime Moriyasu and contributed to a resolute defensive display in the closing stages.

In his 19-minute cameo, the midfielder registered five touches, completed three accurate passes, made one important block and won an aerial duel as Japan protected their narrow advantage.

England pushed for an equaliser in front of their home crowd, but Moriyasu’s side remained compact and organised, frustrating the hosts to seal a memorable result in London.