Panama vs England Preview
Panama have been unthreatening at the 2026 World Cup and are unlikely to trouble England. The Three Lions can win to nil and Harry Kane is tipped to score again in Group L.
Key Stats - Harry Kane Has an Eye for Goal
- Panama have lost to nil in their last 2 games.
- England have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 4 matches.
- England’s Harry Kane has scored 9 goals in his last 6 games.
H2H
England beat Panama 6-1 in the only previous encounter. Harry Kane scored a hat-trick.
Panama Lack Attacking Quality
Panama are struggling for form and are winless in seven of their last nine matches, losing four.
The Canal Men are bottom of 2026 World Cup Group L after two losses and no goals scored from two games.
Thomas Christiansen’s side lost 1-0 in their opening game against Ghana and had just 0.73 XG.
The Central American outfit also lost 1-0 against Croatia on Wednesday. Panama had 0.55 XG, attempted one shot on target and conceded early in the second period.
England Give Little Away in Defence
England have lost once in their previous 11 fixtures, winning nine and keeping nine clean sheets. Harry Kane has also scored eight international goals during that spell.
Thomas Tuchel’s side won both warm-up games comfortably against New Zealand 1-0 and Costa Rica 3-0.
The Three Lions carried momentum into the 2026 World Cup and beat Croatia 4-2. Harry Kane scored twice and England allowed 0.7 XG.
The European team were held to a goalless draw against Ghana in their second match. England had 1.36-0.17 XG, hit the bar late on and couldn’t secure the victory.
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News
Panama (5-4-1): Orlando Mosquera; Amir Murillo, Jiovany Ramos, Jose Cordoba, Andres Andrade, Cesar Blackman; Cristian Martinez, Carlos Harvey, Yoel Barcenas, Jose Luis Rodriguez; Cecilio Waterman
Panama have no injuries or suspensions.
England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Noni Madueke; Harry Kane
Full-back Reece James and midfielder Declan Rice have hamstring injuries and could miss out against Panama.
Bukayo Saka is in contention for his first start at the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel hinted that the winger is nearing full fitness after an achilles issue.
The England manager said, ”He seems to be more and more ready, and will hopefully push, and then we will see what is coming.
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”He’s getting there, and there’s more and more training sessions, so he needs to have more sessions now. Two sessions to be ready for Panama."