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The latest England team news, injury update and predicted XI as they prepare to face Panama in their final 2026 World Cup group game
As things stand, the Three Lions are top of Group L heading into the final set of fixtures - level on four points with Ghana and one ahead of Croatia, with Panama bottom of the group with zero points and already mathematically out of the competition. England will be praying for a repeat of when they met the Central American side back in the 2018 World Cup group stage and thrashed them 6-1.
England hoped to have got the job done and topped the group already, but their failure to beat a relentlessly stubborn Ghana side sees them have work to do in New Jersey. Tuchel wanted to rotate his side heavily for the final fixture, perhaps even the entire eleven, but now he’ll need to take a more cautious approach to ensure the three points are bagged.
Heading into the game, England have a couple of injury concerns to deal with. Star midfielder Declan Rice was seen limping with heavy strapping on one of his legs following the Ghana game, adding further concern over his fitness while he already battles through a long-standing hamstring problem.
Chelsea full-back Reece James, who has battled with hamstring injuries throughout his career, looks to have a similar complaint. He missed a good chunk of last season with the same problem, raising concerns that he may not be able to go deep into the tournament. Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, continues to manage an Achilles issue.
Ahead of the big kick-off at the 82,500-seater MetLife Stadium, we’ve had our best crack at predicting the starting eleven Tuchel will field to take on Panama, as England look to confirm their progression to the knockouts and, ideally, do so by topping the group.
England predicted line-up vs Ghana: goalkeeper and defence
Nico O'Reilly looks set to return to his starting spot at left-backplaceholder image
Nico O'Reilly looks set to return to his starting spot at left-back | Getty Images
Goalkeeper - Jordan Pickford: England’s number one has been ever-present in the side since the 2018 World Cup, and he’ll pick up his 87th senior cap against Panama. The Everton ‘keeper didn’t have much to do against Ghana, but could have a busier time of it against a side with nothing to lose on Saturday.
Right-back - Djed Spence: James’ hamstring issue could end his tournament prematurely if he’s worked too hard, and Tuchel will not want to take any needless risks against Panama. Spence is capable of playing on either flank, and will have a higher level of match fitness than alternative options Trevoh Chalobah and Jarell Quansah.
Centre-back - Ezri Konsa: The Aston Villa star played in both of the Three Lions’ opening fixtures, and is expected to retain his place in the side to face Panama. The 28-year-old is very much in his prime, and has been a key player under Tuchel throughout his tenure so far. Konsa played 48 matches in all competitions for Villa last season, and won the Europa League.
Centre-back - Marc Guehi: Restored to the starting line-up against Ghana, Guehi’s return to the side saw England look tighter at the back then they did in their opener against Croatia. In truth, it’s hard to tell whether Tuchel will keep the same back four against Panama, but we suspect he’ll stick with the familiar option over John Stones on this occasion.
Left-back - Nico O’Reilly: Eyebrows were raised when Guehi’s Manchester City teammate was dropped last time out, and he came close to scoring after cracking the crossbar with a powerful header late on after coming off the bench. He’s likely to get the nod ahead of Spence, especially if the versatile Spurs man is being played on the right.
England predicted line-up vs Ghana: midfield and attack
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka could be handed his first start of the tournament against Panamaplaceholder image
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka could be handed his first start of the tournament against Panama | AFP via Getty Images
Central midfield - Kobbie Mainoo: England can’t afford to lose Rice at this stage of the competition, which should lead to Mainoo being selected against Panama. The Manchester United gem was a key player for the Three Lions in their run to the Euro 2024 final, and will be full of confidence after starring in United’s revival under Michael Carrick in the second half of last season.
Central midfield - Elliot Anderson: He’s on the verge of completing a mega-money move to Man City, but he’ll be fully focused on England come Saturday. Another player who’s thrived under Tuchel, Anderson’s ability to wrestle back possession and remain composed under pressure makes him a formidable opponent for the Three Lions’ rivals.
Right attacking midfield - Bukayo Saka: Tuchel has previously suggested that Saka wouldn’t be ready to start a game until the final match of the group stage, and he’s stuck to his guns so far, only introducing the Arsenal star from the bench. Given the lack of dynamism offered by his understudy Noni Madueke against Ghana, we expect Saka to be on the team sheet.
Central attacking midfield - Jude Bellingham: The 22-year-old won his 50th cap against Ghana, and is expected to continue in the number ten role on Saturday. His very first international goal came in the previous World Cup, and he netted his first in the current competition with a clinical finish against Croatia to give England the lead shortly after half-time.
Left attacking midfield - Marcus Rashford: Anthony Gordon did very little to justify starting a second game in a row against Ghana, and followed up an indifferent performance against Croatia with an equally underwhelming display. Rashford scored against Croatia and looked lively from the bench in England’s last game, so he could be given a start here.
Striker - Harry Kane: England’s talisman blazed a shot over the bar from close range against Panama, in what was the Three Lions’ best chance in an otherwise drab encounter. He bagged a brace against Croatia, and continues to impress in a role that sees him drop deep into midfield and hit defence-rupturing passes through to his teammates.
England predicted line-up vs Ghana: Pickford; Spence, Guehi, Konsa, O’Reilly; Mainoo, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
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