Kaoru Mitoma scored one goal and helped create another as Japan enjoyed a big World Cup qualifying win.

The Albion winger played the first 63 minutes of a 7-0 win over China in Saitama.

Mitoma headed his side’s second goal, just before half-time, when he moved on to a cross from Ritsu Doan to beyond the far post and angled his downward header back across the goalkeeper.

He played a part in the third goal, by Takunami Minamino, and had helped Japan into a 4-0 lead by the time he left the action.

The fixture was Japan’s first in their six-team group, from which the top two will go to the World Cup finals.

Those who finish third and fourth will face another stage of the qualifying process.

Japan are favourites to top Group C and next visit Bahrain, who opened with an impressive 1-0 win away to Australia. The group also involves Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

Bahrain and Japan meet in Riffa on Tuesday at 5pm BST.