SOCCER: Kane's absence hurt England in defeat to Japan, says Tuchel

LONDON – England can succeed without Harry Kane, but it is easier to win when he is in the team, manager Thomas Tuchel said after his side lost 1-0 at home in a friendly against Japan.

Kane, Bayern Munich’s prolific striker and England’s captain, was ruled out due to an injury sustained in training the day before. Without him, England struggled offensively in their last match on home soil before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“In the absence of Harry Kane we don’t have the same threat. No team in the world does,” Tuchel said. “Top teams rely on top players, and top nations rely on top players. Harry dropped out, so we lost not only him as a player but also as a personality. It’s always a bit disruptive if the captain leaves the last training early and is out of the squad.”

Tuchel, whose side qualified comfortably for the World Cup and has lost only twice since he took charge, said the absence of several first-choice players contributed to the team’s struggles. Missing were Manchester City defender John Stones, Arsenal pair Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, and Brentford’s Jordan Henderson – all part of Tuchel’s “leadership group.”

“It affected us because they are the players who carry the quality and momentum on their shoulders,” he said. “We can win games without Harry, we will win without Harry, we have won without Harry. But it’s easier to win matches with Harry.”

Looking ahead, Tuchel said he would be closely monitoring players over the next eight weeks as the World Cup approaches. “Every muscle injury now can mean a player misses out,” he said, adding that he expects injured players to have enough time to be ready for the tournament.

-Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters