Panama vs England – Match preview and team news

Panama vs England – Match preview and team newsEngland head to the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Saturday evening with their place in the World Cup round of 32 already confirmed, aiming to secure top spot in Group L with a win.Thomas Tuchel’s side sit first in the standings on four points, level with Ghana on goal difference. Uruguay’s defeat by Spain on Saturday confirmed England’s progression before they had even kicked a ball in their group finale.

A victory over already-eliminated Panama would guarantee top spot, provided Ghana do not beat Croatia by two or more goals. Panama arrive having lost both group games 1–0, with no goals and no realistic route back into contention. The Canal Men play this fixture for pride alone.

Panama vs England – Match preview and team newsDate: Saturday, 27 June 2026Kick-off: 22:00 BSTVenue: New York/New Jersey StadiumReferee: Abdulrahman Al JassimLast meeting: England 6–1 Panama, 24 June 2018, World Cup group stageTeam newsPanamaThomas Christiansen has no fresh injury concerns but continues to work without his two most influential midfielders. Adalberto Carrasquilla has not featured at this World Cup due to an adductor injury and suffered a further setback in the build-up to the Croatia match. With nothing at stake, Christiansen has no reason to rush the 27-year-old back.

Captain Anibal Godoy — Panama’s all-time appearance record holder with 160 caps — has managed just one minute of regular action at this tournament through lack of match fitness and is unlikely to start here. Panama are expected to persist with their familiar 5-4-1 structure.EnglandTuchel has confirmed Reece James will miss the match through the hamstring injury he suffered against Ghana.

Djed Spence fills in at right back. Declan Rice is also a significant doubt after missing Thursday’s training session at England’s Kansas City base, having left the Ghana draw with a strapping on his left calf.With the round of 32 already secured, Tuchel has no reason to risk either