Panama vs England Preview: Team News & Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group Stage
Panama have been difficult to play against but they have been left frustrated with back-to-back defeats as they now take on an England side that need to respond to their midweek draw against Ghana.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – FOX One
Panama preview: Beaten and out
Former Leeds United boss Thomas Christiansen would have believed that a familiarity of the conditions in North America would make them a tough test at FIFA World Cup 2026 and, while they have been awkward opponents, they have now been eliminated from the tournament with back-to-back defeats.
In their opening game against Ghana, the Panamanians succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Ghana with a late Caleb Yirenkyi winner before Ante Budimir came off the bench to give Croatia a slender 1-0 victory against the Central Americans in Toronto in their second game.
England preview: Frustrated Three Lions
Thomas Tuchel and his England side began the tournament as one of the favourites for the trophy and a 15-minute spell in the second half of their opener against Croatia laid down a marker, helping them beat the 2018 finalists and 2022 semi-finalists by four goals to two in Dallas.
The Three Lions then tripped up in their second game as they shared a goalless draw with Ghana with England lacking the guile and incision to break down a deep defensive block, coached by Carlos Queiroz, and bringing expectations of their supporters back down a fair bit.
Panama team news: Possible changes
Further news will appear here closer to the match after pre-match press conferences…
All-time appearance maker and team captain Anibal Godoy was again left on the bench against Croatia but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start here, while Adalberto Carrasquilla hasn't got on the pitch yet as he deals with fitness issues.
Cecilio Waterman may come back into the eleven ahead of the ineffective Jose Fajardo, while Eric Davis will be pushing for a start ahead of the underperforming and out of position Cesar Blackman at left wing-back.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Godoy, Martinez, Davis; Barcenas, J. Rodriguez; Waterman
Unavailable:
Questionable: Carrasquilla (Fitness)
England team news: Fitness doubts
Further news will appear here closer to the match after pre-match press conferences…
Taken off against Croatia and then explaining the fact he has been dealing with a neural injury throughout the season, Declan Rice clearly looked unfit at the end of their game against Ghana and his involvement here may therefore be limited.
Reece James is also now an injury concern for Thomas Tuchel and will need a late fitness test to be available for this one. John Stones and Nico O'Reilly were dropped against Ghana but the latter may now return to the eleven.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Mainoo, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Unavailable:
Questionable: James (Injured), Rice (Fitness)
Panama’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Michael Murillo ($5.0m) – Defender
Adalberto Carrasquilla ($6.5m) – Midfielder
Jose Fajardo ($4.7m) – Forward
Matchday 1 captain pick: Michael Murillo
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Ismael Diaz, Eric Davis
Free kicks: Amir Murillo, Adalberto Carrasquilla
Corners: Jose Luis Rodriguez, Adalberto Carrasquilla
England’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Jordan Pickford ($4.8m) – Goalkeeper
Nico O’Reilly ($4.7m) – Defender
Harry Kane ($10.5m) – Forward
Matchday 3 captain pick: Harry Kane
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Harry Kane
Free kicks: Reece James, Declan Rice
Corners: Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka
Key stats
- Coming soon
Panama vs England prediction
Panama will expect to be awkward opponents in this final game and defeating England remains a very enticing achievement, and they have been given a blueprint on how to limit the English here.
England manager Tuchel and assistant manager Anthony Barry didn't seem overly frustrated by their draw against Ghana, accepting that if the opposition defends like Ghana did then it will be tough for England to beat them - which will be a worry as the tournament goes on.
England will be expected to come out on top and Panama may not pose too much of a threat going forward but backing England to rack up a score would be risky, whereas them keeping a clean sheet is to be expected.
Panama vs England betting tip: England to win to nil
