The England football team still has some tasks to complete in order to secure the best possible draw in the World Cup knockouts. They will face Panama in their final group-stage match, despite already confirming their progression to the next round.
Coach Thomas Tuchel missed the opportunity to secure the top position in Group L a match early, as they were held to a lackluster goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday. This came after a strong opening performance with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
With England now tied with Ghana at the top of the group with four points, their match against Panama becomes crucial. They head into this match as strong favorites, having already confirmed their place in the next stage of the tournament.
A win for the Three Lions will set up a round of 32 match against a third-place team from Groups I/J/K, potentially pitting them against Senegal, who recently defeated Iraq 5-0 to secure their advancement in the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know before the match.
When is England vs Panama?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 10 PM BST (5 PM ET) on Saturday, June 27, at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
How can I watch it?
In the UK, viewers can catch the match live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 8:45 PM BST. It will also be available for streaming on ITVX.
Team news
Reece James is ruled out of Saturday’s clash with Panama and may not be fit in time for England’s next game. Djed Spence is expected to switch sides, while Nico O’Reilly will likely return to the left-back position.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are also significant injury concerns for Tuchel. Rice is at risk of suspension due to being one yellow card away, leading to speculation that he will be rested for the Panama match with Kobbie Mainoo or Jordan Henderson stepping in.
Bukayo Saka may still have to wait for his first World Cup start as his recovery continues, while Noni Madueke is anticipated to retain his spot on the right side.
For Panama, Adalberto Carrasquilla is dealing with an adductor injury. Meanwhile, their captain and all-time appearance record holder, Anibal Godoy, will be hopeful of contributing more than his mere minute of World Cup play thus far.
Predicted line-ups
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, O’Reilly; Mainoo, Henderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Panama XI: Mosquera; Murillo, Cordoba, Ramos, Andrade, Blackman; Martinez, Barcenas, Harvey, Rodriguez; Fajardo.