Panama vs England: Preview and Prediction
26.06.2026 17:05
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June 28. 00:00. East Rutherford. MetLife Stadium
World Cup. Group L. Round 3
Panama v England
Where to watch: MEGOGO
Disqualification: none
Injured: Adalberto Carrasquilla (questionable) - Reece James, Declan Rice (both questionable)
Panama v England: bookmakers' odds
England conclude their group stage at the 2026 World Cup against Panama, a familiar foe from the 2018 tournament. The Three Lions need a result here to secure top spot in the group. Panama is already out.
Panama
Thomas Christiansen's team were eliminated after two narrow 0-1 defeats to Ghana and Croatia. They are four points behind England and Ghana and cannot catch up. Croatia is out of reach due to head-to-head results. Panama is now playing for pride and their first ever World Cup point.
Their last appearance at the World Cup was in 2018. The appearance itself was historic, and the goals against England and Tunisia sparked national pride. Felipe Baloy's goal past the Three Lions remains a landmark moment, as it was Panama's first goal at the World Cup.
In their entire World Cup history, Panama have scored just two goals and conceded 13. Their only previous meeting was a 6–1 defeat to England in 2018.
England
England could have drawn this game goalless, but were held to a 0–0 draw by Ghana in their second group game, extending their run of four consecutive draws at the World Cup to the second leg. They set an unwelcome record of dominating possession with 78.8 percent but failing to score, the highest goalless draw in the tournament's history. They only snatched a point thanks to VAR, which ruled them out after Ezri Konsa fouled Prince Kwabena Ada in the penalty area.
A 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening match means a draw will be enough for England to progress. They lead Ghana on goal difference and are one point ahead of Croatia. Finishing second would see them face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the last 16, while top of the group would likely see them face the third-placed team and possibly Mexico in the last 16.
Panama v England: Predicted Line-ups
Panama's hopes have been hit by injuries to key man Adalberto Carrasquilla and the poor form of captain Anibal Godoy, who has played just one minute in the tournament. Neither of them are expected to start.
England will also be without players. Reece James suffered hamstring discomfort after the Ghana match, while Declan Rice remains under medical observation after an injury. Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to take any chances with James given his injury history, so Jed Spence could move to the other flank, opening the door for Nico O'Reilly at left-back. If Rice is not available, Kobby Mainu looks set to be the main alternative. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have faced fitness issues after Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke failed to impress for Ghana.
Team Lineups
Panama vs. England: Copyright Prediction
England are the clear favourites and should live up to expectations. Don't expect any fireworks though. The Three Lions will try to finish the game without taking any unnecessary risks. My prediction: England win and under 3.5 goals.
10
Matches
3 - Wins
3 - Draws
4 - Losses
10
Matches
Wins - 7
Draws - 2
Losses - 1
-
40% 4/10
- Both team to score
-
2/10 20%
- 47%
- Ball possession
-
67%
- 14 1.4
- Goals scored per match
- 21 2.1
- 5.68 0.57
- xG (Expected Goals) per match
- 15.96 1.60
- 15 1.5
- Goals conceded per match
- 4 0.4
- 7.84 0.78
- Expected goals conceded (xCG) per match
- 4.1 0.41
Match
World
World Cup
27/06/2026
17:00
Panama
England
Panama
England
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