Panama vs England Prediction: Three Lions backed to bounce back

England visit the Big Apple for the first time in this World Cup as they round off Group L with a test against Panama in New York on Saturday (5pm local, 10pm BST, ITV1). 

After a 0-0 draw with Ghana, Thomas Tuchel’s men have qualified, but would like to secure top spot with a win. Read on for my Panama vs England predictions featuring team news and more.

Team News

Panama boss Thomas Christensen could name an unchanged XI after two narrow 1-0 defeats. Jose Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman will battle it out for the starting spot up front, while Besiktas wing-back Amir Murillo and Norwich City’s Jose Cordoba will feature in defence.

Reece James and Declan Rice are both injury concerns for Tuchel heading into this one, with the Arsenal man seen with strapping on his left calf. He could be left out for Kobbie Mainoo or the more attacking Morgan Rogers.

Nico O’Reilly is set to come back in at left-back, with Djed Spence available to switch sides if James is not risked. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford should come into the XI after poor showings from Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon against Ghana.

Panama vs England Odds

Panama are the big underdogs for this clash, priced at 10/1, with England the 2/11 favourites to take the three points. A draw is 6/1, over 2.5 goals is 4/9 and BTTS is 5/4. 

Harry Kane is favourite to score first at 15/8, while you can find all the other match odds on the link above. 

Offers

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England to win to nil @ 8/11

Not the most surprising pick, but still a decent price in my eyes. England always struggle in one group game, and credit must go to Ghana for their impressive defensive performance in that 0-0 draw in Boston.

England have to be more creative in front of goal, and I think a few Tuchel tweaks will certainly lead to that. Nico O’Reilly made a big difference when he came on at left-back and I expect him to start and add a spark, as should the inclusion of two new wingers. 

Panama are yet to score at this World Cup and have built their tournament on defensive resoluteness. However, they lack the attacking pace that Ghana did, so England should be able to get three points and a clean sheet to boot.

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Nico O’Reilly to score or assist @ 17/10

I can’t speak highly enough of the Manchester City man. With no other natural left-footer able to play left-back he is key to England’s hopes, and I also think his attacking threat is underrated. He hammered the crossbar with a header after coming off the bench and is the tallest member of this Three Lions squad, aside from Dan Burn.

I think he’s a great price to score, but I’ll back a safer pick and pick him to get a goal or an assist. He should have license to play a free role when England have the ball, moving into midfield or even into the box on multiple occasions. I think he’s set to make a big impact in a game that England should dominate. 

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