England need a positive result to confirm their place in the World Cup round of 32 as they face Panama on Saturday.
The Three Lions toiled against the Black Stars’ stubborn defence last time out, with their performance in stark contrast to their scintillating attacking showing against Croatia.
They remain atop Group L in spite of those dropped points, but their progression to the knockout rounds remains unconfirmed.
Panama, meanwhile, are the only side in the group yet to pick up a point having been beaten by Ghana and Croatia.
They are tricky to beat, though. Both those matches ended 1-0, and England will need to be at their best as they chase a crucial result.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Panama vs England is scheduled for a 10pm BST kick-off on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Where to watch Panama vs England for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 8.45pm BST ahead of a 10pm kick-off.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX app or the channel’s website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert analysis from Dom Smith at the MetLife Stadium.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the ITVX app and their websites.
Panama vs England team news
Panama boss Thomas Christensen brought Adalberto Carrasquilla to the World Cup despite the midfielder’s adductor injury and the 27-year-old has yet to feature.
Their all-time leading appearance-maker, Anibal Godoy, has played just one minute so far due to a lack of match fitness, so is unlikely to start against England.
Yet to score this summer, Panama will hope to at least break their duck with the help of Tomas Rodriguez and Jose Fajardo up front.
Panama squad: Orlando Mosquera, Luis Mejia, Cesar Samudio, Cesar Blackman, Jorge Gutierrez, Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andres Andrade, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Eric Davis, Jiovany Ramos, Roderick Miller, Anibal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martinez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Cesar Yanis, Yoel Barcenas, Alberto Quintero, Azarias Londono, Ismael Diaz, Cecilio Waterman, Jose Fajardo, Tomas Rodriguez
Declan Rice and Reece James are both touch-and-go to feature in this one after the Arsenal midfielder was spotted with strapping on his left calf after the Ghana game.
James has historically struggled with hamstring problems and complained of tightness after the Ghana match, so Djed Spence could replace him at right-back, allowing Nico O’Reilly to slot back in at left-back.
Bukayo Saka has come off the bench in both games so far but could be in line to start ahead of Noni Madueke here, with Tuchel claiming he has shaken off a niggling Achilles injury. Marcus Rashford will also hope to replace Barcelona’s Anthony Gordon on the left flank.
England squad: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Nico O'Reilly, Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
Panama vs England prediction
England have a golden chance to exorcise the demons of that 0-0 with Ghana and put on a display of verve and character against this already-eliminated Panama side.
Tuchel may need to rotate his personnel somewhat to get it over the line, but in any case, this should be a comfortable win, akin to the six-goal rout England produced against Panama at the World Cup in 2018.
We expect England to secure a comfortable three points and sail into the last-32.
England to win, 2-0
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England and Panama were groupmates at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Three Lions won their match 6-1 by way of a Harry Kane hat-trick and a John Stones brace.
Panama wins: 0
England wins: 1
Draws: 0
Panama vs England match odds
Panama to win: 14/1
England to win: 1/8
Draw: 5/1
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
