England aim to seal top spot in Group L against a Panama side fighting for survival. Three Lions look to build on impressive win over Croatia.
It is a tale of two extremes in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as England, sitting pretty at the summit with four points, take on a Panama side rooted to the bottom without a point to their name. For the Three Lions, a win would guarantee progression as group winners; for Los Canaleros, anything less than victory would extinguish their slim hopes of reaching the knockout stages. The atmosphere at the venue will be charged with contrasting emotions — English confidence against Panamanian desperation.
England's campaign began with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana, but they roared back with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia, showcasing the attacking firepower that makes them one of the tournament favourites. Panama, meanwhile, have lost both their matches 0-1 — first to Croatia, then to Ghana — and have yet to score a goal. Their defensive resilience has kept them in games, but a lack of cutting edge up front has proven costly.
Summary
This Group L encounter pits a confident England side against a Panama team fighting for pride and mathematical survival. With four points from two games, England are in the driver's seat: a draw would likely be enough to advance, but a victory would secure top spot and a potentially easier path in the round of 16. Panama, on the other hand, must win to have any chance of progressing — and even then, they would need results elsewhere to go their way.
Gareth Southgate's side have shown they can grind out results (the clean sheet against Ghana) and explode in attack (the four-goal salvo versus Croatia). Panama, coached by Thomas Christiansen, have been organised but blunt in attack. Their 4-4-2 shape has frustrated opponents, but they have created few clear chances. The key for Panama will be to stay compact and hope for a set-piece opportunity or a moment of individual brilliance.
Team News & Form
England — Southgate has a near-full-strength squad to choose from. The only concern is the fitness of Jude Bellingham, who played the full 90 minutes against Croatia but has been managing a minor knock. Expect him to start, however, given his influence. Harry Kane is in red-hot form after his brace against Croatia, while Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden provide width and creativity. The midfield trio of Declan Rice, Bellingham, and either Jordan Henderson or Conor Gallagher offers balance. Defensively, John Stones and Harry Maguire have been solid, with Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw as full-backs. Jordan Pickford remains the number one.
Panama — Christiansen is likely to stick with a similar XI that lost narrowly to Ghana. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera has been impressive, while the defensive unit of Michael Murillo, Fidel Escobar, José Córdoba, and Éric Davis will need to be at their best. In midfield, Adalberto Carrasquilla is the creative spark, while Aníbal Godoy provides steel. Up front, the pace of Ismael Díaz and the physical presence of José Fajardo will be Panama's main threats. They have yet to score, so a change in approach — perhaps starting with two strikers — could be on the cards.
Key Players
Harry Kane (England) — The captain and all-time leading scorer for the Three Lions, Kane's movement and finishing are world-class. He already has two goals in the tournament and will be eager to add to his tally. Panama's defenders will have to be wary of his ability to drop deep and link play.
Adalberto Carrasquilla (Panama) — The Houston Dynamo midfielder is Panama's most technically gifted player. He dictates the tempo and can unlock defences with his passing. If Panama are to get anything from the game, Carrasquilla will need to have a standout performance.
Predicted Lineups
Panama: Mosquera; Murillo, Escobar, Córdoba, Davis; Godoy, Carrasquilla, Quintero, Bárcenas; Díaz, Fajardo.
England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Henderson; Saka, Kane, Foden.
Key Battles
Declan Rice vs Adalberto Carrasquilla — Rice's ability to break up play and shield the defence will be crucial in nullifying Carrasquilla's creativity. If Rice can dominate the midfield, England should control the game.
Harry Kane vs Fidel Escobar — Escobar, Panama's most experienced defender, will have the unenviable task of marking Kane. He will need help from his midfield to prevent Kane from receiving the ball in dangerous areas.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met only once before, at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where England ran out 6-1 winners in a group stage match. That result remains the only encounter between the nations. Panama will be hoping for a much closer contest this time around, but the historical record heavily favours England.
Score Prediction
England's attacking quality and Panama's lack of goals make this a straightforward prediction. The Three Lions should have too much firepower, even if Panama defend resolutely. Expect England to control possession and create numerous chances, with Panama limited to counter-attacks and set pieces. A comfortable win for Southgate's men.
Prediction: Panama 0-3 England
Where to Watch
Fans can follow the action via live updates on the fixtures page and check the latest standings. For more on the teams, visit the Panama and England team pages.
