Andre: Maybe England going down to 14 men again will help them

Theo: England need to go down to 14 men… the tactics look confused here even early on and lots of basic errors

If in doubt, seek out a man from Northampton. That's what I say. How England needed that, their first World Cup try since their semi-final victory against New Zealand in 2019. The only time they have been held try-less in three consecutive Rugby World Cup matches was across the semi-final and final in 1991 and their opening pool game in 1995.

Matt Dawson
Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

George Ford orchestrated it from the backfield, a kick into coffin corner, and then Japan made a Horlicks of it.

England have been rattled. But that's nice from George Ford, a lovely kick to the corner to pin Japan back by their own line.

Japan kick the ball through and nearly score but it comes back for the offside. Rikiya Matsuda makes no mistake and Japan deservedly lead.

Tick 'new World Cup ball' off your bingo list. We're back playing and it's Japan still looking the more dangerous, forcing England offside in the process.

Chris Ashton
Former England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

These balls go so far, they are almost trying to kick the leather off it.

A water break is called for. Some England fans may reach for something stronger after a testing 10 minutes or so.

It's not actually a penalty, the scrum is reset as the pitch wrinkled up under pressure. George Ford's kick is then charged down, Japan think they will score but all credit to Alex Mitchell to sweep up the ball.

Try-saving stuff!

Image source, Reuters

'Physical contest, physical contest!' screams England hooker Jamie George. He wants more from the men in blue as they pack down for a scrum in their own half. It works too as England force a penalty.

On the plus side, England haven't had a man sent off yet.

Stephen: A lot is said about Ford vs Farrell and the no.10 position for England. Our biggest issue is scrum-half.

Japan are certainly showing that England have a real test on their hands tonight. The pack is then pinged for an infringement at the line-out to give Japan the ball in a dangerous area once more.

Kate: Chris Ashton on 5 Live is brilliant - first match I've listened to on the radio and he's quality! Great knowledge about the Japanese players as well as our tactics!

Matt Dawson
Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

That was scintillating rugby from Japan but we knew it was coming. This is how Japan play. Can you imagine how England's forwards feel after shoving a maul 20 yards, to be back under their posts? They will be fuming.

From bang in front of the sticks Japan's 10 Rikiya Matsuda levels the scores.

So close!

Japan put eight phases together to push England back to right on their tryline, they then kick the ball out wide looking for the catch in the corner but it's too heavy and drifts out. England are relieved but they do concede a penalty.

Image source, Getty Images

'Swing Low' booms out from the stands as England win a line-out off their own throw, very comfortable at the set-piece in these early stages. They drive a good few metres downfield and then spin out right - but Alex Mitchell's pass is shoddy and goes to ground.

Japan can counter at pace...

Better - England do work the ball well through the backs, Courtney Lawes overlaps and finds Elliot Daly on the left wing, the tryline is just about in sight but he's wrapped up by a cracking tackle.