England may already have booked their place in the World Cup knockout stages, but there is still plenty riding on their final Group L fixture against Panama.
Thomas Tuchel’s side followed an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia with a goalless draw against Ghana. That result confirmed their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
However, top spot in the group has yet to be decided. England know another positive result would put them in the strongest possible position heading into the knockout rounds.
Panama’s World Cup journey will come to an end after this match. Narrow 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia have left Thomas Christiansen’s side without a point, ending any hopes of progression. Their performances have arguably deserved more than the results suggest.
The only previous meeting between these nations came at the 2018 World Cup. England ran out emphatic 6-1 winners. Panama still made history that afternoon through Felipe Baloy, whose late strike remains the country’s first and only World Cup goal.
England will be expected to finish the job and wrap up first place in Group L. Panama, meanwhile, have one final opportunity to leave their mark on the tournament.
With no pressure and nothing left to lose, they will be determined to sign off with a performance their supporters can be proud of.
How to watch Panama vs England
Panama vs England kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday, June 27, at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV1 and STV. Fans can also stream the game via ITVX and STV Player.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be on Telemundo or Universo, with streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Select matches are also broadcast on CTV. Streaming is available via TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Panama team news
With Panama already eliminated from the World Cup, Thomas Christiansen has the opportunity to freshen up his side for their final outing in Group L.
The Central Americans have produced two disciplined displays, despite suffering narrow 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia.
Those performances showed defensive organisation. However, a lack of cutting edge in the final third has ultimately cost them.
Christiansen may decide this is the right time to hand minutes to players who have featured less during the tournament. However, he is unlikely to make wholesale changes. Panama will still want to avoid ending their campaign without a point.
The biggest challenge will once again be creating chances against one of the tournament favourites. Panama have yet to score at this World Cup. Finding a way past England’s defence will be a key priority.
Panama expected XI: Mosquera – Murillo, Blackman, Ramos, Córdoba, Andrade – Barcenas, Martinez, Harvey, Rodriguez – Fajardo.
England team news
England may already have secured their place in the Round of 32, but Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to treat this as a dead rubber.
Top spot in Group L is still on the line. Qualification already confirmed gives the England boss the option to rotate without weakening the side too much.
Several squad players will be hoping for an opportunity after England followed an impressive win over Croatia with a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana. Fresh legs could help restore the attacking fluency that was missing last time out.
Tuchel also has one eye on the knockout stages. Key players carrying minor knocks could be rested. Others who have started from the bench may finally get their chance.
Reece James and Declan Rice are England’s only doubts going into this one. Both are undergoing late fitness tests.
England expected XI: Pickford – Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly – Anderson, Mainoo – Saka, Bellingham, Rashford – Kane.
Panama vs England stats
- Panama have failed to score in either of their opening two group matches.
- Panama have conceded two goals in the tournament, both coming in narrow 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia.
- England have conceded twice so far, both in their 4-2 win over Croatia.
- Panama are without a win in their last six World Cup matches.
- England have lost just one of their last eight international matches in all competitions.
- Panama are still searching for their first goal of the tournament.
- England have scored four goals across their two group games, while Panama have yet to find the net.
- England are unbeaten in their last two meetings with Panama, including a 6-1 win at the 2018 World Cup.
Panama vs England prediction
England have already achieved their primary objective by reaching the knockout stages, but there is little chance of Thomas Tuchel allowing standards to slip.
The Three Lions looked sharp in their opening win over Croatia before labouring to a goalless draw against Ghana.
While the second performance lacked creativity, England still controlled long periods of the game and rarely looked troubled at the back.
Panama have earned plenty of respect for the way they have competed. Two narrow 1-0 defeats against Ghana and Croatia show they are well organised, but they have struggled to create enough chances in the final third.
That could be a familiar story here.
England should dominate possession and spend most of the evening camped inside Panama’s half. The biggest question is whether they can turn that control into goals after drawing a blank last time out.
Even if Tuchel decides to rotate his squad, England’s strength in depth should prove too much for a Panama side that has already been eliminated.
Panama will make life difficult for as long as they can, but England will want to bounce back and take good form into the knockouts. This could be a statement win.
Prediction: Panama 0-4 England.
