England's final group game sees the Three Lions face familiar foes in Panama, as England look to improve from their disappointing performance against Ghana in their second group game.
England's performance in their first game against Croatia gave the nation hope that an England side would finally show some ambition and endeavour when it comes to their tactical identity in a tournament. However, England's tendency to perform admirably worse in their second group fixture came to fruition with a lacklustre showing against Ghana, to which the Ghanaians should have been awarded a penalty following a poor challenge by Ezri Konsa. The second game cut much frustration for England, with a lack of attacking identity, especially in the wide areas and the midfield, with the pairing of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson not providing any mobility in the middle of the park.
The fate of the group is still in England's hands with their superior goal difference over Ghana as they take on a Panama side that has picked up zero points thus far and has been eliminated from the World Cup at the earliest opportunity. The two sides met in 2018, with the Three Lions recording an emphatic 6-1 victory over Panama thanks to a hat-trick from Harry Kane. England's second fixture against Ghana would have highlighted the issues down the flanks for Thomas Tuchel, and with that being said, we can see the former Chelsea manager leaning towards the talents of Marcus Rashford for this fixture.
The Manchester United forward scored England's fourth goal against Croatia and has equalled the record for most substitute appearances in World Cup history. Rashford made an impact against Ghana, with four crosses during the brief spell he was on the pitch. He found an England teammate with six of the seven passes he attempted (86% individual pass accuracy).
England should be relatively fine for this fixture given how Panama are already out of the group, so an improved performance is required here.
Panama 0-3 England
