The English national team defender spoke in a press statement following the loss against the Japanese national team with a score of 1-0, in the international friendly match held at Wembley Stadium.

The defender said in his statement: "Certainly, the result was disappointing, but we have to be realistic. This is why we play these matches at this time of the season, we need these tests as a team."

He added: "If we look at things from the right perspective, these matches will help us build, develop, and improve, and prepare for the next stage, which is the World Cup, and be fully ready for it."

He continued: "We lacked scoring, we had to criticize ourselves, but again, these are the tests we need. It's important to play these matches to see where we are, but it's all about perspective, and ensuring we learn and come together."

He concluded: "It's easy to focus on just this match, especially after the season we've had, which was positive, so it's important that we come together and develop."