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.
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.
Rashford looking lively
Another good run by the Barcelona forward leads to a corner for England, but Saka’s low ball into the box is easy prey for the goallie.
Earlier, England had a throw-in overturned because they were too slow to take it, as per the new rules.
Rashford close!
A blistering drive into the bottom corner is parried away by the Panama keeper.
Tuchel fumes as Kane loses possession
Harry Kane overhits his ball wide to Saka and the coach is not impressed.
First shot for Panama!
Tomas Rodriguez tries his luck from outside the box but it’s no trouble for Pickford.
We’re off!
England wearing red shirts and, unusually, black shorts, get the ball rolling.
The teams are out at the New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as the MetLife stadium, home of the Jets and the Giants.
It’s been bucketing down all afternoon and the rain is still falling heavily.
Croatia drop Gvardiol for Ghana decider
In the group’s other match, Croatia need a win or a draw against Ghana to be guaranteed their place in the knockout rounds.
Coach Zlatko Dalic gives starts to Ante Budimir and Nikola Vlasic for the first time in this World Cup, and forward Petar Sucic gets a recall, while Manchester City’s Gvardiol is on the bench.
Ghana have already booked their place in the next round and coach Carlos Queiroz brings Kamaldeen Sulemana into the attack for the game in Philadelphia, with Derrick Luckassen coming into the defence in place of Jerome Opoku.
We’ll bring you updates from this game too.
The big story from last night
Or this morning, if you’re in Europe or Africa.
Panama’s Carrasquilla on the bench again
Key midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla is on the bench once more with a muscle injury.
The starting XI: Orlando Mosquera, Fidel Escobar, Jose Cordoba, Andres Andrade, Amir Murillo, Jorge Gutierrez, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martinez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Edgar Yoel Barcenas, Tomas Rodriguez.
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.
Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka
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.
