England’s end to the group stage of the World Cup may not be as straightforward as expected, as they take on Panama tonight.
Although Thomas Tuchel’s side have already qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament, they have been hit by the news of an injury to Reece James, who will miss tonight’s Group L fixture.
In fact, the right-back could be out of England’s last-32 game as well, but for Tuchel it is one problem at a time: first, he must decide how to proceed against Panama, who have nothing to lose in New Jersey after their elimination from the World Cup.
Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah were all options to replace James here, but Tuchel went for Jarell Quansah on the right as he made five changes to the team that drew with Ghana, including the decision to rest Declan Rice and start Bukayo Saka.
Follow live World Cup updates from the Group L game, below:
England v Panama LIVE: Latest World Cup updates
- England face Panama in Group L finale | Kick-off 10pm BST, live on ITV 1
- England through but must better Ghana's result to top Group L
- Thomas Tuchel's side rocked by Reece James injury
- Miguel Delaney: The unintended effect of James’ injury that can boost England
- Richard Jolly: Tuchel’s baffling reaction to James’ injury highlights needless risk
- Panama XI: Mosquera; Cordoba, Escobar, Harvey, Andrade, Murillo, Gutierrez; Martinez, J Rodriguez, Barcenas; T Rodriguez
- England XI: Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Bellingham, Rogers; Saka, Kane, Rashford
Croatia v Ghana updates
21:22 , Alan Smith
We will keep you up to date on the goals from the other game too since it could impact on whether England finish top or not should the unthinkable happen and they fail to win.
Tuchel on his team selection
21:16 , Alan Smith
Tuchel tells ITV: “I’m always excited by my team, a very offensive team. The target is to keep up the speed of the game, with devotion and commitment. We have things to improve but we’re ready for it.
On the wingers: “You focus too much on individual positions. Anthony did well, Marcus did well, Noni did well and Bukayo gets a chance now. It’s not just about Marcus or Anthony.”
On Bellingham and Rogers, he added: “I take care of Declan’s situation. He got a knock ... I’d like to manage his minutes a bit and he has a yellow card. That’s why Jude goes in the No.8 position and Morgan in the No.10.”
Neville: 'Something has gone badly wrong'
21:04 , Alan Smith
“If you'd have said to me a couple of months ago that Quansah would be playing right back for England at a tournament, I'd say that something has gone badly wrong..." Gary Neville says on ITV. "I'd have preferred Trent Alexander-Arnold out there."
"If you'd have said to me a couple of months ago that Quansah would be playing right back for England at a tournament, I'd say that something has gone badly wrong..."
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2026
"I'd have preferred Trent Alexander-Arnold out there"@GNev2 on England's right back troubles... pic.twitter.com/tjGXb99Bez
James present
21:03 , Alan Smith
Reece James has travelled to New Jersey with the squad. Yesterday the information was that the full back would remain in Kansas for treatment.
He is, however, not even listed among the substitutes - which nations can technically do with Canada and Alphonso Davies, Brazil and Neymar cases in point.
Why England's Tactics DIDN'T WORK Against Ghana
20:54 , Alan Smith
... and what can be learnt from that scoreless draw for the players to take into tonight and the knockouts.
England squad arrive
20:48 , Alan Smith
England have arrived at the New York New Jersey Stadium 🏴🏟️ pic.twitter.com/pBR166lCfe
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2026
Panama team confirmed
20:43 , Alan Smith
Panama XI: Mosquera; Cordoba, Escobar, Harvey, Andrade, Murillo, Gutierrez; Martinez, J Rodriguez, Barcenas; T Rodriguez
Fifa currently have their formation listed as a 6-3-1.
England team confirmed
20:40 , Alan Smith
England XI: Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Bellingham, Rogers; Saka, Kane, Rashford.
Ready to take on Panama ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/wDrBUClrnx
— England (@England) June 27, 2026
Confirmed teams soon
20:34 , Alan Smith
Tuchel’s starting XI will be published in the next 15 minutes but the front three for the current predicted team just seems far more potent than the Madueke and Gordon combination. The exact set up of the midfield looks intriguing too - though let’s wait and see until full confirmation arrives.
It's looking damp in New Jersey
20:26 , Alan Smith
Let’s hope the fans have come prepared.
Tonight's referee...
20:21 , Alan Smith
...is Abdulrahman Al-Jassim.
The Qatari took charge of the draw between Portugal and DR Congo earlier in the tournament.
England expected to make five changes!
20:16 , Alex Pattle
Expected England XI: Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Bellingham, Rogers; Saka, Kane, Rashford.
That’s per the BBC, with the changes from the Ghana game being:
Quansah in for James
O’Reilly in for Spence
Rogers in for Rice
Saka in for Madueke
And Rashford in for Gordon
An excessive focus on some qualities
20:14 , Miguel Delaney in New York
Trent Alexander-Arnold wouldn’t just be an alternative right-back. He could have been an impact sub to supply the kind of perceptive ball that England badly needed against Ghana.
One reason that Tuchel didn’t pick him is because, like with Gareth Southgate, Alexander-Arnold doesn’t fully fit his concept of a right-back.
The German has been conscious of games like the 2022 Champions League final, where the defender’s impetus allowed Vinicius Junior in for the key goal. England of course may well have to counter exactly that against Brazil for that potential quarter-final in Miami.
There’s been a concern about how you make one slip like that and you’re out of the World Cup.
But should that worry, about one potential moment, override all of the requirements for the hundreds of minutes before such a hypothetical?
As with so much in this squad construction, it feels like it could represent an excessive focus on some qualities at the expense of others.
The unintended effect from Reece James’ injury that can boost England
'Tension building with fans drenched by rain'
20:10 , Jack Rathborn in New Jersey
“It is drizzly around the New York New Jersey Stadium, fans are drenched and England could well feel at home, even if it is still scorching back home.
“The scrutiny will be on Tuchel to solve this defensive puzzle, with tension building ahead of kick-off. But the carnival atmosphere and confidence around the squad has diminished ahead of this group finale.
“There's a job for Tuchel and his side to do here, and convincing the fans might just be half the equation alongside combatting what Panama have to offer.”
Injury tracker
20:06 , Alan Smith
It’s not only Reece James who is on the sidelines.
Here is the latest we know about some of the biggest names across the tournament and their current fitness.
World Cup injury tracker: Neymar, Reece James and Christian Pulisic updates
Early Panama team news
19:58 , Will Castle
Adalberto Carrasquilla continues to be hampered by an adductor injury, while captain and all-time leading appearance-maker Anibal Godoy will hope to add to his one minute of World Cup action so far after being limited due to a lack of match fitness.
Knockout path becomes clearer
19:45 , Will Castle
England still have work to do to top Group L, and will do so if they beat Panama and better Ghana’s result against Croatia.
Since England and Ghana drew 0-0, it would come down to goal difference to determine who finishes top if they are level on points. Ghana could overhaul England if they beat Croatia by a big scoreline.
An England win, combined with a draw between Ghana and Croatia, or a Croatia win, would confirm top spot.
In that scenario, they will face the third-place team from one of Group I/J/K in the round of 32. As things stand, these are the teams that could be in the mix to face the Three Lions: It is currently Senegal, but a win for DR Congo against Uzbekistan would see them play the Group L winners.
- Group I: Senegal
- Group J: Algeria, Austria
- Group K: DR Congo
England qualify for World Cup knockout stages with potential opponents revealed
England v Panama predictions
19:35 , Alex Pattle
Here are Alan Smith’s thoughts (our Alan Smith, not the former Arsenal star):
“Much like Ghana, Panama will seek to frustrate England by sitting back, but they are unlikely to be as effective and possess even less by way of attacking threat, while Tuchel’s XI will learn not to be quite as passive and unwilling to take risks.
“Expect Harry Kane to get back firing after his subdued appearance in midweek and score once in both halves for a win that is more steady than stunning.”
England 2-0 Panama
England v Panama predictions
19:20 , Alex Pattle
Our Sports Editor Jack Rathborn, writing from New York, says:
“For all the noise about Reece James, England should have too much for Panama. Perhaps there will be a wobble, but Thomas Tuchel’s side have plenty of talent to make the difference here.
“The defensive equation will linger and, depending on Senegal or DR Congo, a revised plan will be sorted. But for now, it’s get over the line, top the group and control the controllables.
“England’s attack can still fire and retaining, or reigniting, Bellingham and Kane’s form ought to be the priority and a realistic aim to take from this game.
“Lessons from failing to break down the stubborn Ghana should help, too, with more time and training to devise the right system to protect Pickford's goal with limited or fragile full backs.”
England 2-0 Panama
England v Panama predictions
19:05 , Alex Pattle
Our own Will Castle says:
“England were seriously lacklustre against Ghana last time out, but that was partly down to a superb defensive performance by the Black Stars.
“I don’t think Panama will have that sort of resilience – and against an England side who just had their first World Cup wake-up call, I’m expecting a rout.”
England 5-0 Panama
England v Panama predictions
18:50 , Alex Pattle
Obviously Panama have nothing to lose, so I wonder if we’ll see them take a few more risks than Ghana did, and play ball a little more.
I think England will get more clear opportunities to break the lines this time, and I’ll say they pick up three points – but show some more vulnerability along the way.
England 3-1 Panama
England v Panama predicted line-ups
18:35 , Alex Pattle
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.
Panama’s own team news
18:20 , Alex Pattle
We’ve spoken a lot today about England’s team news, but what about Panama’s?
Adalberto Carrasquilla continues to be hampered by an adductor injury, while captain and all-time leading appearance-maker Anibal Godoy will hope to add to his one minute of World Cup action so far, after being limited due to a lack of match fitness.
And beyond the last 32? What awaits England?
18:05 , Alex Pattle
In the last-16, England could face Group A winners Mexico in the high-altitude cauldron of the Estadio Azteca.
If they overcame that serious test of resolve, Group C winners Brazil could be their quarter-final opponent, although the Selecao have a tricky game coming up against Japan.
Argentina, following a fine start with Lionel Messi’s five goals, may then be England’s potential semi-final opposition.
What if England don’t win Group L, though?
17:50 , Alex Pattle
If England were to finish as group runners-up, they would face the second-placed team from Group K, which will be decided in a shootout between Colombia and Portugal. If Colombia avoid defeat, it would be Portugal – assuming DR Congo don’t win by a massive scoreline against Uzbekistan.
England qualify for World Cup knockout stages with potential opponents revealed
17:35 , Jamie Braidwood
England have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockout stages after results in other groups went their way on Friday night.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are top of Group L on four points, following an impressive opening win against Croatia and then a 0-0 stalemate against Ghana on Tuesday night.
The format of the 48-team World Cup, however, meant England’s place in the round of 32 was secured ahead of playing Panama in their final fixture on Saturday.
An England win, combined with a draw between Ghana and Croatia, or a Croatia win, would confirm top spot.
In that scenario, they will face the third-place team from one of Group I/J/K in the round of 32. As things stand, these are the teams that could be in the mix to face the Three Lions: It is currently Senegal, but a win for DR Congo against Uzbekistan would see them play the Group L winners.
England qualify for World Cup knockout stages with potential opponents revealed
Thomas Tuchel’s baffling reaction to Reece James’s injury highlights England’s needless risk
17:15 , Richard Jolly in New York
“No one could see that coming,” said Thomas Tuchel. And yet absolutely everyone could. When he left out one of the world’s best right-backs, opted to replace a sidelined full-back with a central defender in his squad and left himself overly reliant on the fitness of a famously injury-prone player, it ranked among the most foreseeable storylines of the World Cup.
If that is a surprise to Tuchel, if few others, there is a sense that history may repeat itself.
Tuchel’s baffling reaction to James injury highlights England’s needless risk
The unintended effect from Reece James’ injury that can boost England’s World Cup hopes
16:55 , Miguel Delaney in New York
In all of the insider gushing about Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for this World Cup, one of the most common descriptions has been “meticulous”… which makes it all the more incredible that England now have a glaring hole in the team. From no stone being left unturned to having a rock thrown in.
Reece James is injured, and that has a huge knock-on effect beyond the fact he is the only regular right-back in the team.
Tuchel astonishingly said “nobody could see it coming” - despite everyone warning of exactly this - but actually experiencing the reality of it really puts things into sharp perspective.
The unintended effect from Reece James’ injury that can boost England
Options to replace Reece James; Late call-up Trevoh Chalobah?
16:35 , Michael Jones
The 27th man in the squad now has a path to playing in the World Cup, though the Chelsea defender even admitted after joining the group in Kansas City that his role is a right-sided centre-back under Thomas Tuchel. That's not to say he cannot fill in at right-back, but should Tuchel shift Ezri Konsah or Jarell Quansah, then Chalobah could slot in if problems emerge at centre-back. Like Quansah, Chalobah has mostly played at centre-back, or right side of a three with his club, though he did feature at right-back in a 3-1 loss to Leeds.
Options to replace Reece James: Inexperienced Jarell Quansah?
16:15 , Michael Jones
Quansah played right-back sporadically at Liverpool, rarely filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Two notable appearances at right-back came in the 2024/24 season in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle two seasons ago, and then again in the League Cup final, with neither outing going particularly well for the player or team. Though his role with Leverkusen, right of a back three, has afforded him more experience playing on that side of the defence, with German wing-back Montrell Culbreath.
Options to replace Reece James: Ezri Konsa at full-back?
15:55 , Michael Jones
Predominantly a centre-back, the Aston Villa defender is favoured by Thomas Tuchel for his ability to perform in multiple positions.
He’s filled in at right-back for England before and has the pace to cover against any potential counter-attacking threats. Points against him moving across are that Tuchel may be reluctant to disrupt the centre of his defence.
Konsa has been a permanent centre-back through the pre-tournament preparation as well as the opening two fixtures. The decision may come down to whether Tuchel trusts his other options to perform as strongly.
Options to replace Reece James: Move Djed Spence?
15:35 , Michael Jones
Tottenham defender Djed Spence was selected for the England squad due to his versatility across the backline and that has already been proven across England’s opening two fixtures.
Against Croatia, he came on midway through the second half as a replacement for Jude Bellingham but slotted in at right-back with James pushed up to defensive midfield. Spence performed solidly and combined beautifully with Bukayo Saka on the right wing as the Three Lions pushed for a fourth goal.
In the match against Ghana, Spence was handed a starting berth but at left-back replacing Nico O’Reilly. Though he held his own for the majority of the game, England looked more threatening once O’Reilly replaced him which is perhaps a sign that Spence is more effective in his natural position on the right.
Four options that could replace Reece James for England’s clash with Panama
15:15 , Jamie Braidwood
The Chelsea captain will miss England’s Group L finale and is a doubt for their last-32 tie due to a hamstring injury
Four options that could replace Reece James for England’s clash with Panama
Reece James missed eight weeks with hamstring injury between March and May
14:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Last week, Reece James said he was bored of talking about his history of injuries.
The Chelsea captain was absent for eight weeks between March and May with a hamstring strain before returning at the end of the season.
He told BBC 5 Live: "I have one job, which is to be the best I can when I'm on the pitch. To be honest, I understand the stigma at the start, but after a while it gets boring.
"I've been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don't listen to too much noise. People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it's so boring now.”
Thomas Tuchel on Reece James injury: 'We will find solutions'
14:35 , Richard Jolly in New York
Reece James’ injury leaves Thomas Tuchel with further problems in the position after Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup.
Tuchel opted not to pick Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, either in his initial squad or when choosing Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah to replace Livramento.
Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah are the likeliest candidates to stand in for James in the match at the MetLife Stadium.
Tuchel explained: "The thinking of calling Chalobah to free up Quansah on the right full-back position for us. I saw him playing very strongly there playing for Liverpool and he played enough in a back three - which is not so far from the position - in Leverkusen.
"And we have Djed Spence. No one could see that coming, Reece was in good shape. Konsa played in that right-back position as well for us on a high level. No problem. We would love to have Reece as a key player, but he's not available. We will find solutions. That's what we do."
Reece James could miss England World Cup knockout game with hamstring injury
14:20 , Richard Jolly in New York
England have suffered an injury blow with Reece James ruled out of their clash with Panama because of a hamstring problem.
The right-back is also a doubt for their last-32 tie as he faces a race against time to be available for England’s first knockout match.
Manager Thomas Tuchel said: "Reece has a minor hamstring issue. He was not able to train in the last two days. He is now in an accelerated rehabilitation programme and we take it game by game. But there is some belief that he will be available for us [again] in the tournament.
“We have hopes that he will be fit for the next match. It can be a tight one. But the hopes are still alive.”
What is the England team news after Reece James blow?
14:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Reece James will miss Saturday’s clash with Panama and may not return in time for England’s last-32 tie, with Djed Spence set to switch flanks and Nico O’Reilly to return at left-back.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are also notable injury concerns for Tuchel. Rice is a yellow card away from being suspended for the round of 32, so is likely to be rested for the Panama match with Kobbie Mainoo or Jordan Henderson playing in his stead.
Bukayo Saka may still have to wait for a first World Cup start as his fitness continues to be managed, with Noni Madueke in line to keep his place on the right.
How England can top Group L tonight
14:09 , Jamie Braidwood
England still have work to do to top Group L, and will do so if they beat Panama and better Ghana’s result against Croatia.
Since England and Ghana drew 0-0, it would come down to goal difference to determine who finishes top if they are level on points. Ghana could overhaul England if they beat Croatia by a big scoreline.
An England win, combined with a draw between Ghana and Croatia, or a Croatia win, would confirm top spot.
England v Panama: What you need to know before kick-off
14:05 , Jamie Braidwood
When is England vs Panama?
England’s clash with Panama kicks off at 10pm BST (5pm ET) on Saturday 27 June at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on ITV1 with coverage starting at 8:45pm BST. It can also be streamed on ITVX.
Good afternoon and welcome
14:00 , Jamie Braidwood
England still have work to do to ensure the most favourable draw in the World Cup knockouts as they face Panama in their group-stage finale, even after their place in the next round was confirmed.
Thomas Tuchel’s side missed out on the chance to seal top spot in Group L a game early when they were held to a drab goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday, failing to keep up momentum built from a fantastic opening display in the 4-2 over Croatia.
With England now tied with Ghana on four points at the group’s pinnacle, their clash with Panama has turned into a must-win match, though they enter the clash against the already-eliminated nation as heavy favourites and having already guaranteed progression to the next round.
Victory for the Three Lions will set up a round of 32 meeting with a third-place team from one of Group I/J/K, which could see them meet Senegal, who thrashed Iraq 5-0 to ensure their qualification for the knockout stages, or DR Congo if they beat Uzbekistan.
