England will be hoping to confirm their spot in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup when they take on Panama on Saturday at 10pm (UK time).
The Three Lions will have wanted qualification for the knockout stages confirmed going into this game. But they’re not quite there yet. England opened the World Cup in strong fashion, beating European rivals Croatia 4-2, a real statement victory. But they were unable to build on that victory, held to a goalless draw by Ghana in their next match. While four points should be enough to reach the knockout stages, England will want a win to secure one of the automatic spots. The Three Lions need to beat Panama and hope Ghana either drop points to Croatia — or don’t get a bigger victory — to seal top spot.
Unfortunately for Panama, their World Cup will be over after this game. Los Canaleros are bottom of the group without a point, and are unable to overtake third-placed Croatia. They lost their opening game to Ghana, courtesy of a winner in the fifth minute of injury-time. They then fell to Croatia by a solitary goal. With head-to-head the first tiebreaker, Panama cannot get off bottom and are purely playing for pride.
This will be the second meeting between these two sides, with England beating Panama 6-1 at the World Cup in 2018. That remains the only World Cup goal Panama have scored.
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Panama vs England team news
England team news
There are a few question marks surrounding England’s starting XI. And a few risks Thomas Tuchel might not want to take. Reece James is being checked for a hamstring problem after the draw with Ghana, and will surely drop out of the starting XI. Djed Spence could switch over to replace him at right-back, with Nico O’Reilly returning on the left.
The other doubt is Declan Rice, who picked up an impact injury late on against Ghana, through a tough challenge. While he may be expected to shake it off, this could present an opportunity for Tuchel to rest Rice. He won’t want to take Panama for granted, though, so there may be minimal changes. Kobbie Mainoo should be adequate cover for Rice, who is also one yellow card away from suspension.
Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa provided a stronger centre-back pairing and will continue there, while Elliot Anderson should start in midfield. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have come off the bench in both of England’s matches so far, but may get starts after Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon underwhelmed. Harry Kane has played every minute for England so far and may still start, though Tuchel will no doubt look to give him a rest if a positive result is secured early. Jude Bellingham should continue in the No.10.
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Panama team news
Thomas Christiansen has only made one change between his starting lineups so far. He’s unlikely to make any more, as he looks to send Panama home on a high. Christiansen is also expected to continue with the 5-4-1 system he switched to against Croatia, setting up to frustrate England in search of a first-ever World Cup point.
Amir Murillo and Cesar Blackman should start as the full-backs, with Jose Cordoba, Jiovany Ramos and Andres Andrade the centre-back trio. Orlando Mosquera is expected to continue in goal, having only conceded twice at the tournament so far.
Yoel Barcenas and Carlos Harvey have been the go-top central midfield pairing at the World Cup so far and there’s no need for that to change. Barcelona has been captaining Panama in Anibal Godoy’s absence, but the latter will hope to get some minutes off the bench after injury issues. Cristian Martinez and Jose Luis Rodriguez are expected to play on the wings, with Jose Fajardo leading the line.
Panama vs England predicted lineups
Panama (5-4-1): Mosquera; Murillo, Cordoba, Ramos, Andrade, Blackman; Martinez, Barcenas, Harvey, J Rodriguez; Fajardo.
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
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