Panama vs England Predicted Lineups & Team News

England’s now traditional draw in the second match of a major tournament has left a few fans feeling slightly worried for the rest of the World Cup, but Thomas Tuchel’s men still have a wonderful chance to progress as group winners.

A win against Panama will be enough on Saturday (5pm local, 10pm BST, ITV1) and below you can find out the latest Panama vs England Predicted Lineups & Team News.

Panama

Panama are guaranteed to finish bottom of Group L after two painful 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia. The head-to-head record takes precedence over goal difference at this tournament so they are out, but manager Thomas Christensen will want to go out strongly.

Jose Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman have shared the lone striker role so far in this 5-4-1 and having seen Ghana’s success in a low block against England, that formation should remain. Captain Yoel Bárcenas and Carlos Harvey are the first-choice central midfielders, with a back five that features Besiktas wing-back Amir Murillo and Norwich City’s Jose Cordoba. 

Cristian Martinez and Jose Luis Rodriguez have got through a lot of work in those wide midfield roles, but should start again with a lack of competition in those areas. 

England

Tuchel brought Djed Spence and Marc Guehi into the back four against Ghana, but it is likely that Nico O’Reilly will start at left-back given his attacking threat. Spence was brought in for his pace dealing with Ghana’s counter-attacks, but it was clear the Three Lions suffered from not having a natural left-footer on that side. 

It will be interesting to see who gets the nod at centre-back, with John Stones missing out in that 0-0 draw, and Ezri Konsa fortunate not to give away a penalty after a clumsy challenge. Tuchel will want to nail down that back four before we reach the knockout stages.

He will also want to see improvement from his wingers after Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon both failed to impress. Will this be the game Bukayo Saka finally starts, and will Marcus Rashford be put in from the off? It feels likely. 

The central spine of Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane will surely remain unchanged as England look to get back to winning ways. 

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Panama vs England Odds over on betfred.com

Key Player - Orlando Mosquera (Panama)

If Panama are going to get a famous World Cup point against the 1966 winners England, then goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera is going to have to stand up and be counted. They have been unfortunate to come away empty handed from games with Ghana and Croatia, and the keeper only had to make one save against Luka Modric and Co., but you’d expect him to be busier here.

The Al-Fayha man made two saves against Ghana but conceded late on and will have to be at his very best to keep the Three Lions at bay.

Key Player - Bukayo Saka (England)

I’m backing Saka to make a massive impression on this England team. For all of Madueke’s energy and direct running, England were so predictable against Ghana, and boring to watch. Tuchel knows Saka is his first-choice on that side and if he is fully fit, he can bring the X-factor. 

England are going to have to move the ball quicker and with more intensity to break down this stubborn Panama outfit, and I think the Arsenal man is going to show everybody exactly what this team has been missing. 

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com