Chris Ashton
Former England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Japan are trying to be too flashy, too many passes. But great work from Joe Marler, you are not moving a big man like that down there.

They may not be sparkling for Matt Dawson just yet but that's great work in defence from England, Joe Marler over the ball at the breakdown to turn the ball over after a Japan lineout.

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

England are going to type. There does not seem to be a huge amount of endeavour.

Image source, Getty Images

A tester for England full-back Freddie Steward now but he does well to clear, but Japan then wrestle Elliot Daly into touch. Good hustle.

Semisi Masirewa is hit after he kicks the ball away, some of the crowd want action to be taken against Ben Earl but there's nothing in that.

Japan's full-back can't carry on though. He's off with Lomano Lemecki on.

England are looking to play their rugby in the Japanese half as another good kick from Alex Mitchell this time turns the Brave Blossoms around. No infringement this time but all they can do is kick the ball back to England.

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

Let's be a little more creative with penalty advantage. It's a solid start.

It's pretty much unmissable and trusty George Ford has England ahead early on.

Image source, PA Media

England move the ball well, several phases wash up on the shores of the Japan defence and eventually it's a penalty for offside. England consider piling on more pressure but decide to kick the points instead.

Image source, Getty Images

England move the ball quickly, Elliot Daly puts a quick kick in behind which is carelessly knocked on by Semisi Masirewa to gift England a scrum just five metres out...

Chris Ashton
Former England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

England have to start well. What we have seen is if an underdog start well, the crowd get behind them and that is the last thing England want tonight.

Here we go then! George Ford puts boot to ball and we're playing...

Two lovely choral renditions of the national anthems, you'd have to say. I've never heard England fans stick to tempo once at any sporting event since the mid 1980s and they were ahead of the music again. Cracker though.

Mike Henson
BBC Sport in Nice

I think that George Ford won the battle of bands-style decibel count when the England team was read out.

The Japan team are more about the collective. They headed back to the sheds in their trademark moving huddle.

Considering he has rarely been first choice, you may be surprised to know that George Ford is actually fifth on the all-time points list for England.

OK, so he's 800 or so behind Jonny Wilkinson but it's still a good return. Will he back amongst it tonight? Here come the sides.

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

George Ford does not have to be just about the drop-goals, he is one of the best attacking fly-halves in the world.

Mike Henson
BBC Sport in Nice

More than a corner of this foreign field is, for the moment, England.

This match is taking place at the home of Ligue 1 football team Nice, which was bought by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the son of a joiner born in Failsworth, in August 2019.

Practically home advantage.

No idea if he is gracing this match with his presence, but I reckon the neon lit executive boxes on the opposite side of this steep-sided stadium would be a good bet if so.

Chris Ashton
Former England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

England have got to have that mindset to want to score tries and finish off opportunities. There are some fabulous individuals in the backline that if they get some decent turnover ball, they can set it alight.

It is dangerous to think 'we will score a load of tries'. They have to win the game first.

Image source, PA Media

I hope it's not quite as hot as it has been in Nice tonight or this choice of headwear could prove to be unsustainable.

We're closing in on game time.

Natasha Hunt
World Cup-winning England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

England have got to go to another level after last week and we are waiting to see where they can go with their attack.