Newcastle United have kicked off their pre-season tour of Japan with a 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds.
Eddie Howe‘s side began their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win over Hull City on Saturday, and have now travelled to Tokyo to play two games in the Far East.
Newcastle United took on Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium, with goals from Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall and a Jacob Murphy brace. After this win, the Magpies take on Yokohama F Marinos on Saturday at 11:00am.
There was no appearance from Bruno Guimaraes, despite meeting up with his Toon teammates in Japan. He should feature in Saturday’s game. Elsewhere, Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon have not made the journey after receiving an extended break following England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
We will keep you updated throughout the morning and the afternoon, as Newcastle United start their pre-season trip to Japan with a win. You can see how they get on with our live updates below!
That’s all from us
Thank you for following today’s live blog, as Newcastle United beat Urawa Red Diamonds 4-1.
Next up is Yokohama F Marinos on Saturday, where we will hopefully see Bruno Guimaraes in action!
Praise for Nick Pope
Nick Pope gave Toon fans reason to be optimistic with his performance against Urawa Red Diamonds.
The 32-year-old was very impressive today – not just with his shot-stopping ability.
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Howe ‘could not complain’ after 4-1 win
Howe on the game vs Urawa Reds: “I thought it was a good game and good conditions to improve our fitness levels. It was a little bit cooler at kick off but still a hot and humid day. It has certainly helped the players but we still have lots to improve on. I thought mentally we could not complain about the players.”
Eddie Howe’s transfer update
When asked if Newcastle were close to making any new signings, Eddie Howe responded: “I hope so.”
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Cathal Heffernan’s first NUFC appearance
Cathal Heffernan’s dad watching him make his Newcastle United debut, amazing!
Bruno Guimaraes’ IG message
After not featuring in the win over Urawa Reds, Bruno has just shared a post on his official Instagram account.
Toon fans make Lewis Hall prediction
Lewis Hall impressed against Urawa Red Diamonds, and Newcastle fans have now made an exciting prediction involving the 19-year-old!
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Next up for Newcastle
Newcastle’s next game in Japan is on Saturday, as they face Yokohama F Marinos at 11am BST.
Expect to see the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar, who did not feature in the win over Urawa Reds.
[Link]Murphy gets his fourth goal of pre-season
More goals than Yankuba Minteh this summer for Murphy…
Multiple Newcastle players impress
It was a funny game for Newcastle United, but there were some impressive performances in black and white.
Credit to Jacob Murphy for getting two more goals, while Joe Willock made a real difference in the middle of the park. It is going to be a big season for him.
The same goes for Nick Pope, who did really well in the first half. That included a penalty save.
Lewis Hall was also impressive, while there were nice touches from Trevan Sanusi and Alfie Harrison off the bench.
[Link]FULL TIME: Newcastle 4 Urawa Red Diamonds 1
And there’s the full time whistle. Newcastle kick off their tour of Japan with a 4-1 win over Urawa Reds.
Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy (2) and Lewis Hall got the goals for the Magpies.
[Link]Joelinton struggling
Joelinton is now the captain, but appears to have a problem. He just went down clutching his knee, then was crouching over moments later.
Hopefully it’s just a knock and nothing serious.
[Link]Game fizzling out
While the first 45 minutes was pretty breathless, this has been more like a pre-season friendly.
The game is getting a bit scrappy now with so many changes, but good to see Sanusi getting so involved!
[Link]Final Newcastle change
Dan Burn is replaced, with Cathal Heffernan coming on to play the last 10 minutes or so at centre-back.
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New position for Miley
It looks like Jamie Miley has dropped in at right-back, with Turner-Cooke in front of him.
Alfie Harrison is alongside Joelinton in the middle of the park, as the play stops for another water break.
There may only be one more change, with Cathal Heffernan the only other outfield player on the bench for Newcastle United.
[Link]More changes for Newcastle
Alfie Harrison and Jay Turner-Cooke are coming on, with Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy making way.
[Link]First save for Ody
Vlachodimos is called into action, as he saves a very limp effort that was straight at him. £20million well spent!
[Link]Has Almiron touched the ball?
Almiron has been on the pitch for almost 20 minutes, and I’m not sure he’s even touched the ball!
He’s still on the left, with teenagers Sanusi and Parkinson playing through the middle.
[Link]GOAL! 4-1 Newcastle
And now it is four! Lewis Hall’s strike from distance finds the back of the net, but only via a huge deflection. It wouldn’t have gone in without it, but Hall will certainly claim the goal!
[Link]It should be four!
Quick break from Newcastle, as Isak races towards goal! He opts to pick out Barnes, but his pass is intercepted. Great opportunity squandered.
[Link]Desperate defending from Newcastle
Urawa Reds nearly get one back! Pope flaps at a cross, then Urawa Reds have two efforts blocked.
[Link]New formation for Newcastle
It looks like Newcastle have gone from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2.
Almiron is on the left wing, while Barnes has joined Isak through the middle.
[Link]GOAL! 3-1 Newcastle
It’s Murphy again! Nice counterattack from Newcastle, and it’s Murphy who gets his second with a curling finish into the bottom left corner. An assist for Jamie Miley, who has only been on the pitch for two minutes.
[Link]Half time changes for NUFC
Two changes for Newcastle, with Jamie Miley and Miguel Almiron coming on for Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.
Second half XI: Pope; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Almiron, Joelinton, J. Miley; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
[Link]Murphy put Newcastle back in front before the break
No problem creating chances
To Newcastle’s credit, they created a lot of chances in the first half.
The Magpies had 10 shots, eight of which were on target.
[Link]Howe will be disappointed
After a blistering start, it simply has not been good enough from Newcastle. They have not moved the ball quick enough, while Urawa Reds have been better than I ignorantly anticipated.
They have taught Newcastle a lesson in sharp passing, and do not deserve to be behind.
Howe will expect more from his players in the second half.
[Link]Half time
And there’s the whistle. Newcastle lead 2-1 at the break, but that does not tell the whole story. Eddie Howe’s side have been put under a lot of pressure, and are probably lucky to be ahead.
But they do lead, with Isak and Murphy on the scoresheet again, just like they were against Hull City on Saturday.
[Link]GOAL! 2-1 Newcastle
It’s Juicy J! Jacob Murphy gets his third of pre-season with a nice finish. It was all about Joe Willock again, who has been key in both of Newcastle’s goals.
[Link]Newcastle close again
Newcastle finally sustain a bit of pressure. Murphy’s initial effort is blocked, then Barnes forces another save. It’s another shot on target from the Magpies’ left winger.
Surely he’s going to score today?!
[Link]Isak not happy
There is a lot of arm flapping from Alex Isak, as Urawa Reds bypass the Toon press time and time again.
[Link]Toon chance
Isak nearly has a second, but his cheeky effort is saved after a smart flick by Sean Longstaff.
This has been far from your typical pre-season game.
[Link]Pope to the rescue
It’s another brilliant save by Pope, who spares Lewis Hall’s blushes after cheaply giving away possession.
[Link]PENALTY SAVED
What a save by Nick Pope, who dove strongly to his right! It’s still 1-1. This is wild.
[Link]Penalty to Urawa Reds
Newcastle nearly back in front, but Barnes’ effort is smartly saved.
Then Urawa Reds go up the other end and win a penalty, with Livramento committing a foul in the box.
[Link]Penalties possible
If the game is level at full time then there will be a completely pointless penalty shootout, just like there was in Australia for that post-season friendly against Spurs.
[Link]1-1!
Urawa Reds are level, and it has been coming. Newcastle were exposed down their righthand side, and a tap in from Rio Nitta makes it 1-1.
The goal is followed by a drinks break.
[Link]Almost two!
Great move by Newcastle. Joelinton’s switch found Tino, who then picked out Murphy. He created an opening for Longstaff, whose effort was blocked. Great play.
[Link]Penalty appeal turned down
There were small claims for a penalty from Urawa Reds, but they were waved away. It would have been incredibly soft, but it is another warning sign for the Magpies.
[Link]Newcastle back in control
After being put under pressure, Newcastle are back in control and getting their foot on the ball.
[Link]Urawa Reds score, but it’s offside
Our Japanese opponents have the ball in the net, but the flag immediately goes up for offside. It remains 1-0 to Newcastle.
[Link]Sweeper keeper
Now Pope does get involved, as he rushes out to deal with a through ball.
Brilliant by the Toon stopper – it was the kind of thing that Martin Dubravka simply wasn’t doing last season. Thank goodness Pope is fit again.
[Link]Defending to do
After a fast start, Newcastle have now had to do some defending. Urawa Reds broke forward well, but a smart block ensured that Nick Pope did not need to get involved.
[Link]Willock receiving treatment
Heavy blow for Willock! He landed hard on his hip after a strong challenge, but is fit to continue.
[Link]Nearly another goal!
What is going on?! A mix up at the back from Urawa Reds almost gave Harvey Barnes an open goal, but his effort was cleared.
[Link]1-0 Newcastle
Newcastle lead already! A great finish from Isak, who fired it into the far left corner after a great through ball by Willock.
What a start!
[Link]Joelinton in the six
It looks like Joelinton is playing in the middle of Newcastle’s midfield three, with Willock to his left and Longstaff to his right.
[Link]Newcastle in black and white
Based on the shorts the players were wearing in the warmup, it looks like they will be wearing black and white rather than the new third kit that came out yesterday.
[Link]New Wor Flags display?
Dan Burn will wear the captain’s armband for Newcastle today, and here he is posing with a fan who made a flag in tribute to BDB.
Prediction time
With less than 20 minutes to go before kick-off, I guess I better make a prediction.
I’ll go 4-0 to Newcastle, with Sean Longstaff grabbing himself a goal. And hopefully we get an exciting cameo from Trevan Sanusi too!
[Link]Isak looking to continue his pre-season form
Newcastle’s record signing will lead the line today, as he aims to continue his impressive start to pre-season.
Isak has scored two goals so far, finding the net in wins over SpVgg Unterhaching and Hull City.
Jacob Murphy also has two goals this summer, while Harvey Barnes has one.
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No Garang Kuol in Japan
While Trevan Sanusi and Alfie Harrison could appear off the bench today, there will be no appearance from Garang Kuol.
That is because the 19-year-old Aussie is not in Japan due to a knee injury.
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First appearance since April for Joe Willock
Great to see Joe Willock back in the side after his injury problems. It will be his first appearance since he limped out of the Magpies’ win over Fulham in April.
[Link]Senior players missing
Various senior players will not play against Urawa Red Diamonds today. Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar, Lloyd Kelly, Martin Dubravka and Jamal Lewis are not involved.
They are likely being held back for Saturday’s game against Yokohama F Marinos.
[Link]Newcastle starting XI confirmed
Starting XI: Pope; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Joelinton, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
Subs: Vlachodimos, Ruddy, J. Miley, Almiron, Turner-Cooke, Heffernan, Parkinson, Harrison, Sanusi.
[Link]Newcastle fans in Japan mock Sunderland
A banner that reads ‘have you ever seen a Mackem in Japan’ is unveiled inside Saitama Stadium.
Newcastle’s new third kit
Today’s friendly is the first chance for Newcastle United to wear their new third kit.
It was officially unveiled on Tuesday, with Adidas knocking it out of the park once again.
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No Sandro Tonali
A reminder that Sandro Tonali will not be involved in today’s friendly, despite being in Japan with the rest of the Newcastle United squad.
Due to his ban, he is only allowed to play in behind closed doors games.
[Link]How to watch today’s game
Newcastle United fans can watch the friendly against Urawa Red Diamonds on NUFC TV, but it will cost you.
Single match passes are available, or you can pay a bit extra to be able to watch every Toon friendly ahead of the new season.
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Predicted Newcastle XI to face Urawa Red Diamonds
Pre-season starting XIs can be a bit random, but we are hoping to see Bruno Guimaraes in action for the first time this summer.
Predicted starting XI: Pope; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Hall; J. Miley, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
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Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our coverage of Newcastle United’s friendly against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Coming up is a preview of the game in Japan, with confirmed team news on the way ahead of kick-off at 11:30am BST.
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