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England take on Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Friday, aiming to end the World Cup’s group phase on a high after their faux pas against Ghana. Jarell Quansah gets his first World Cup start for England as he replaces injured right-back Reece James, among five changes from coach Thomas Tuchel to his starting lineup. Follow our live, minute-by minute match commentary.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is expecting another arm-wrestle against Panama, days after being held to a frustrating draw by Ghana, who are level with them on four points.
Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Group standings
The Three Lions are already qualified but will be looking for a victory to top Group L. Bottom on zero points after two matches, Panama are hoping to exit the World Cup on a high.
England make five changes to starting XI
Jarell Quansah gets his first World Cup start as he replaces injured right-back Reece James, among five changes from coach Thomas Tuchel .
Marcus Rashford steps in for Anthony Gordon on the left, while Bukayo Saka replaces Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers comes in for midfielder Declan Rice.
Overall a more offensive squad as Tuchel aims to break down Panama’s low block.
Panama ‘difficult to break down’
England manager Thomas Tuchel is expecting another arm-wrestle against Panama, with the South Americans likely to defend in numbers.
“It’s a team that is difficult to break down, they’ve hardly allowed any chances,” Tuchel said on the eve of the game.
“We see a well-coached, well-drilled team and a clear identity,” he added. “It’s not the most famous or the most well-known football nation, but they can play the role of underdog and play without any pressure.”
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England aim to finish the group stage on a high as they take on Panama at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, looking for a victory to claim top spot in Group L.
The Three Lions opened their World Cup with a swashbuckling 4-2 defeat of Croatia but were then held to a 0-0 draw in an attritional battle with Ghana, with whom they are level on four points.
While results in other groups yesterday ensured England will advance to the knockout rounds, failure to beat Panama is likely to raise more questions about their right to be regarded as serious contenders for the title.
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