England's defence of their Maurice Revello title began on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat to Japan.

Brentford goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe and midfielder Josh Dasilva were both involved from the start in Paul Simpson's side. Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah gave the Young Lions the lead after 36 minutes, nodding a home a corner from Burnley's Dwight McNeil.

Japan were back in the game just four minutes after half-time. Takuma Ominami swept the ball home on the end of a free-kick whipped in from the left wing.

Dasilva's first taste of the tournament ended after 65 minutes, Jayden Bogle (Derby County) replacing him. A few minutes later, Japan took the lead. Yuchi Naganuma smashed a header past Balcombe after getting on the end of a cross by Ito Tatsuya.

The England side will be back in action on Tuesday 4 June, Portugal their opponents in Salon-de-Provence. The Portuguese also lost their first group game 1-0 to Chile, England's final opponents on 7 June.

Only one team qualifies automatically from each group, the final Semi-Final place coming from the best-placed runner-up from either Group A, B or C.

Group B kicks off today, hosts France taking on Qatar and Brazil facing Guatemala. Tomorrow it's the turn of Canice Carroll and Republic of Ireland. They open their tournament against China in Aubagne, while Mexico and Bahrain meet in the last game of the opening round.