England hoping to entertain against Panama
Thomas Tuchel has urged England fans to keep believing in the World Cup dream as his team target top spot in Group L against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, June 27.
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Kick-off is at 11pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
Current form:
The Three Lions made a statement in their tournament opener after running out 4-2 victors over Croatia, who beat them 2-1 in the semifinals of the 2018 edition.
But Tuchel's side failed to break down Ghana on June 23, having had 19 shots on goal without success as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw.
The 1966 world champions are still favourites to win the group despite being tied with the Black Stars on four points going into the final round of the group stages.
England also met the Canal Men in Russia 2018 when Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in a convincing 6-1 victory.
The Central Americans are still searching for their first win on the world's biggest stage after back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Ghana and the Blazers extended their losing streak to five games.
Thomas Christiansen's side created their fair share of chances against the Black Stars before being undone by Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute winner.
Panama asked Croatia a good few questions as well, with Dominik Livakovic pulling off fives saves to keep them at bay, including when he tipped Jose Luis Rodriguez's header onto the crossbar in the first half.
What was said:
England head coach Thomas Tuchel
"It is a long tournament. I think the boys tried everything (against Ghana) and again they played with the right energy.
"I know it's a very different game and, in this case, if one team tries to play and to run against this deep block and you don't find the spaces, it is difficult for you to create chances it can be difficult to watch.
"It is not as exciting as two teams trying to win it in a more open game. We know. We always try to entertain our fans. It was difficult today. I hope they don't lose belief. It is a long way to go."
Players to watch:
Panama - Andres Andrade impressed on the left side of defence against Ghana, winning nine duels and making two recoveries. However, it was down the flank where the 27-year-old defender made the biggest impact with 27 progressive carries and completing 83 per cent of his passes. Andrade was shifted into central defence against Croatia and didn't affect the game as much, although he did manage six recoveries.
England - Harry Kane continues to produce the goods for his country after a brace against the Blazers saw him equal Gary Lineker's tally of 10 World Cup goals to become only the second player to score in three different editions (2018, 2022, 2026) after David Beckham. The 32-year-old striker only managed three attempts at goal in the stalemate with the Black Stars, but it would take a brave man to bet against him finding the back of the net on this occasion.
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 1
Panama wins - 0
England wins - 1
Draws - 0
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