England will be hoping to confirm their spot in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup when they take on Panama on at 10pm tonight (UK time).
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 is enough to reach the Round of 32, 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.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Panama vs England team news
England team news
Thomas Tuchel has made five changes to his starting eleven for the match with Panama. It looks like a change of shape for the Three Lions, with a 4-1-4-1 replacing the 4-2-3-1 that has been deployed in England’s opening two games.
The defence has, for the third match in a row, seen change. Jarell Quansah wins just his fourth cap, replacing the injured Reece James at right back. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi continue their partnership in the centre of defence, with Nico O’Reilly returning at left back after dropping to the bench against Ghana.
Midfield is where the real changes have taken place, though. Tuchel has deployed two number 10s, with Jude Bellingham joined by Morgan Rogers behind Harry Kane. There Elliott Anderson retains his place at the base of midfield but Declan Rice only makes the bench. This is likely a precaution after the Arsenal midfielder picked up a small injury in England’s last game.
It’s also all change in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka makes his first start of the tournament, replacing Gunners team mate, Noni Madueke, on the right hand side. It’s also a first start for Marcus Rashford on the opposite flank, with the Manchester United winger preferred to Barcelona’s new signing, Anthony Gordon.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Panama team news
Panama have made three changes of their own. In comes Jorge Gutierrez comes in at left back, replacing Cesar Blackman. There is one other change in defence with Fidel Escobar coming into the centre of defence at the expense of Jiovany Ramos. Andres Andrade, Jose Cordoba and Michael Murillo retain their places ahead of Orlando Mosquera.
The midfield four remain the same. Christian Martinez and Jose Rodriguez will operate on either flank, while Yoel Barcenas and Carlos Harvey will occupy the central areas.
Tomas Rodriguez will lead the line for Panama, with Jose Fajardo dropping to the bench.
Panama vs England confirmed lineups
Panama (5-4-1): Mosquera; Murillo, Escobar, Cordoba, Andrade, Gutierrez; Martinez, Barcenas, Harvey, J Rodriguez; T. Rodriguez.
England (4-1-4-1): Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rogers, Rashford; Kane.
Read more: