Japan v England: Prediction, Tips and Odds

England's summer tour features two Tests against the All Blacks, but before they fly into New Zealand they have a clash with Japan at the National Stadium in Tokyo to take care of.

It's a new-look England with a raft of changes from the side that finished third in the 2024 Six Nations.

But there will be a very familiar face to England fans in the Japan camp, none other than former head coach Eddie Jones who takes charge of the Brave Blossoms for a second time.

Japan v England betting tips and predictions

Japan +19.5 - 10/11

A different-looking England taking on an experimental Japan in difficult conditions could make for a scrappy, error-strewn affair which may not lead to the landslide win for Steve Borthwick's side which many people anticipate.

Japan and England have played eight times, four of those fixtures official internationals.

The most recent was a group-stage match at last year's World Cup which England won convincingly 34-12.

The four official matches between these nations have produced an aggregate win margin of 134 points, or an average of 33.5.

However, the gap is definitely closing between two sides now seven places apart in the world rankings with Japan 12th and England 5th.

And under Jones they are confident the only way is up those rankings.

The best of the Blossoms will be seen once the Australian ex-England supremo knows his side and this match is about looking at players. There are 12 uncapped players in the squad including a couple of university students.

There is also, however, a good deal of experience, including the likes of Dylan Riley and the talisman, Michael Leach, still going strong at the venerable age of 35.

England have a new look to them without the likes of Owen Farrell, George Ford, Danny Care, Elliot Daly and Manu Tuilagi and that means a first start for Quins flanker Chandler Cunningham-Smith and potentially replacement wing Tom Roebuck.

The touring side should win but don't expect it to be routine against a hungry Japanese side who will chuck everything at them.

England's recent Six Nations campaign yielded wins by three points, two points and one point alongside two losses, so take Japan to cover a 19.5-point handicap at 10/11.

Ben Earl try any time - SP

Borthwick has insisted conditions in Tokyo will not be conducive to an expansive running game and doubtless he's privately delighted at that.

The England coach is expecting hot, humid conditions, a greasy ball and plenty of encouragement to milk the pack for the hard yards rather than run too many risks with throwing the ball around.

It is an exciting group of backs with Marcus Smith at outside half and Henry Slade at 13, players who love ambition.

But England's pack is their strength where hooker Jamie George captains a group featuring stalwarts Dan Cole, Maro Itoje and Ben Earl.

No.8 Earl's experience at the back of the rolling mauls and scrums will be crucial if the game is controlled by the forwards, and the Saracens star is a decent bet to score a try at any time.

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Japan v England odds

Japan - 9/1
Tie - 16/1
England - 1/25

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.