Soccer
Marc Guehi calls for 'perspective' after England loss to Japan
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England ended the final international break before the World Cup on a low note, falling 1-0 to visiting Japan at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday in a match that Marc Guehi called "disappointing."
The Three Lions were once again without a number of regulars after a makeshift England side battled to a 1-1 draw with Uruguay last week, but the hosts would have hoped for a more favourable result this time around as they held 75% possession and a major advantage in chances.
However, it was Kaoru Mitoma's 23rd-minute goal that was the difference as England could not find a breakthrough without captain Harry Kane in the lineup.
"Obviously disappointing, but we have to be realistic," Guehi, who wore the captain's armband in Kane's absence, told ITV. "This is why we play these games towards this time in the season, we need these tests as a team.
"If we have the right perspective, then these games help us to build, to be better, to improve, and to go into the next stage, which is the World Cup, and to be ready."
Guehi stressed that the Three Lions "have to be critical of ourselves" but urged the team and supporters to not put too much stock in one result.
"It is important to have these games to see where we are at, but it is all about perspective, making sure we learn, and we stick together," Guehi said. "It is easy to look at this one game, especially after the campaign that we've had; it's been positive, so it's important that we stick together and get better."
He added: "It's not easy putting the shirt on. You play against teams that are well-drilled and disciplined. They qualified for the World Cup as well, and they want to prove a point when they come here.
"I will reiterate, it is important that we stick together, learn from this moment, and move forward."
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