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Disappointing results for home nations ahead of World Cup

England manager Thomas Tuchel has one hand on his head and looks glum. EPA/Shutterstock

It was a "disappointing" evening for England manager Thomas Tuchel

All of the home nation's football teams were in action last night, in a busy round of international fixtures ahead of this summer's World Cup in the US.

With England and Scotland already qualified, the teams were playing friendly games to help them prepare - however both sides suffered defeats.

Wales and Northern Ireland were facing each other, after both lost their World Cup qualifying play-off games last week.

Let's take a look at what happened below...

England suffer defeat to Japan

Phil Foden and Harry KaneGetty Images

England captain Harry Kane missed the match with injury - meaning Phil Foden played as England's striker

England lost 1-0 to Japan at Wembley, with Brighton player Kaoru Mitoma's scoring the only goal.

Japan became the first Asian side to beat England, and means the Three Lions end the March international break without a win.

Record goalscorer and captain Harry Kane missed the game after being injured in training.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: "This is the exact situation no England fan wants. We've talked about it for over a season with this World Cup coming up.

"What do England do without Harry Kane?"

England manager Thomas Tuchel said: "I am disappointed, everyone is."

Scotland lose to Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast's Nicolas Pepe wears an orange kit and scores their first goal past Scotland's Liam Kelly in grey.Action Images via Reuter

Ivory Coast's Nicolas Pepe scores their first goal past Scotland's Liam Kelly

Scotland also have not had a good run during this international break.

The team lost to Japan on Saturday, and then lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium last night.

Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe scored a first half winner.

A lively start from the Scots fuelled hope they would respond to a flat weekend display, but they couldn't score.

Head coach Steve Clarke now has plenty to ponder after two losses without scoring, with his squad set to reunite in May before jetting off the US.

"Like always with friendlies, some things were good, some things bad.

"Sometimes you're hoping the ball will fall for you and it didn't fall for us tonight, but you have to make it fall for you. That's the little bit we need to get better at," said Clarke.

Wales and Northern Ireland in match 'nobody wants'

A keeper tries to save a goal scored by Jamie Donley, who is in the centre wearing green shorts and white top. Players from Wales wearing red can be seen in the background.PA Media/David Davies

Northern Ireland's Jamie Donley (centre) scores their side's first goal of the game

Wales drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Jamie Donley's opening goal delighted the 300 or so fans who had travelled to Cardiff City Stadium to support the team, but Wales equalised soon after, with a goal from Sorba Thomas.

The match was a friendly but since both teams lost their World Cup play-off semi-finals last Thursday - against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy - the vibe was tired.

After the match, Wales' manager Craig Bellamy said: "I am done, emotionally done. I need this period to rest, spend time with my family and then look where I can improve.

"How can I get better? That's my aim."

Did your team play last night? What did you think?

Are you excited for the World Cup?

Let us know in the comments...