England faces eliminated Panama with Group L top spot at stake in World Cup finale
England meets already-eliminated Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with first place in Group L and a more favorable last-16 path on the line for Thomas Tuchel's side.
England's must-win scenario
England arrives at the final Group L match with four points, level with Ghana but ahead on goal difference after a 4-2 win over Croatia and a goalless draw against Ghana. A victory guarantees top spot and a round-of-32 meeting with a third-placed side, while anything less risks a clash against the Group K runner-up (likely Colombia or Portugal).
Panama bids farewell
Panama is already eliminated with zero points, having lost narrowly to both Ghana (1-0) and Croatia (0-1). Coach Thomas Christiansen's side is playing for pride and a first World Cup point, aiming to recapture the resilient performance it showed against Ghana.
Tuchel reshuffles his attack
Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka come into the starting XI on the wings, with Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke dropping out. Declan Rice is a doubt after training separately with discomfort, adding to midfield concerns already sharpened by the absence of Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton from the squad.
Group L permutations
- England
- 4 pts
- Ghana
- 4 pts
- Croatia
- 3 pts
- Panama
- 0 pts
Kickoff and outlook
The match begins at 23:00 local time (05:00 CEST). England is overwhelmingly favored, but Tuchel's team must rediscover the attacking fluency shown against Croatia to dispel doubts after the Ghana stalemate.
