Smith stars as England cruise past Japan in Tokyo

Japan (3) 17

Pen: Lee Try: Nezuka, Tua Con: Matsuda 2

England (26) 52

Tries: Cunningham-Smith, M Smith, Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Mitchell, Earl, Randall, Underhill Cons: M Smith 4, Slade 2

Marcus Smith boosted his chances of retaining England's number 10 jersey for their upcoming series with New Zealand after starring in a comfortable win over Japan.

The Harlequins fly-half scored 13 points, including a slick try from a well-executed set-play move, as England began their summer tour by overcoming Eddie Jones' side in Tokyo.

Japan started brightly in humid conditions as Seungsin Lee's penalty handed them the lead, but England soaked up the early pressure and hit back through a powerful finish by Chandler Cunningham-Smith on his first Test start.

Smith then came to the fore as he finished off a smart line-out routine to carve through the Japanese midfield, before two moments of brilliance set up tries for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade.

A slight delay in his pass over the top for Feyi-Waboso caused enough doubt in the Japan defence for the wing to score unopposed, before Slade crossed from the same wide channel as Smith changed England's direction of attack to land a pin-point crossfield kick for his centre to claim.

Smith's half-back partner Alex Mitchell inflicted further damage on the hosts after the break with a snipe over from close range before then turning provider for Ben Earl to power over after another clever break.

The one negative for Smith was his yellow card for an early tackle as the Brave Blossoms threatened to score their first try, but England quickly regained momentum when Harry Randall replaced Mitchell to exploit the same Japanese frailties at the fringes.

Japan's spirited performance was rewarded with a couple of late consolation tries by Koga Nezuka and Samisoni Tua, but England had the final say as Sam Underhill's try took them to a half century of points.

England ended the game with 14 players as replacement lock Charlie Ewels was sent off for a cynical clear-out attempt on Japan captain Michael Leitch.

More to follow.

Japan: Yazaki; Naikabula, Riley, Osada, Nezuka; Lee, Saito; Mohara, Harada, Takeuchi, Waqa, Dearns, Leitch (capt), Costley, Makisi.

Replacements: Sakate, Miura, Tamefusa, Saumaki, Yamamoto, Fujiwara, Matsuda, Tua.

England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Mitchell; Rodd, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Cunningham-South, Underhill, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Ewels, T Curry, Randall, F Smith, Roebuck.

Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)