DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are ready to step up! Here’s how England should take the field against Panama as the Three Lions look to secure top position in their World Cup group.

Thomas Tuchel certainly did not envision this scenario. Following England’s opening match, where the Three Lions comfortably dispatched Croatia, it was assumed that the German tactician would already be considering squad rotation. With their toughest opponent out of the way, another victory over Ghana should have sealed top spot with a game to spare. Instead, a frustrating goalless draw with the Black Stars means Tuchel must field his strongest side once again.

To be fair, it’s not all doom and gloom. England have already secured their place in the Round of 32, and Group L remains within reach. A draw would be enough to finish first. However, the margin for error has narrowed significantly. What should have been a relaxed outing in New Jersey now carries real importance, and that stalemate with Ghana has raised fresh doubts about Tuchel’s team’s true strength.

Even though drawing the second group match has become something of an unwanted English habit, it has left the Three Lions in a situation they hoped to avoid. Rather than giving the regular starters some rest, Tuchel will once again need his star players to lead the charge.

So, what can we expect this time around? Quite simply, England must go full strength. The plan should be to establish control early, get a comfortable lead, and then rotate if circumstances allow. Taking unnecessary risks would be a major misstep for Tuchel. With that in mind, here’s the lineup GOAL believes should start against Panama on Saturday evening.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Yes, it’s still Jordan Pickford. Truthfully, Pickford hasn’t had a standout tournament so far. While he could do little about Croatia’s goals, he looked uneasy against Ghana. One nervy moment saw him misjudge a through-ball, coming off his line awkwardly and narrowly avoiding a red card after clashing with Prince Adu. Fortunately for England, Adu initiated the contact, sparing Pickford from dismissal.

Otherwise, he had a quiet outing and remains largely untested. That’s not a reason to drop him, though. Pickford keeps his place between the sticks.

Right-Back: Reece James

Once again, Reece James’ fitness is a concern. This is the usual James cycle — excellent performances followed by injury worries. He may be England’s most complete right-back, but also their most injury-prone. It’s an unfortunate dilemma for Tuchel, particularly with Tino Livramento having left the camp due to a calf issue. Tuchel chose to call up a centre-back instead, leaving England slightly exposed at full-back. If James is fit, he starts — but that’s a big question mark.

Centre-Back: Ezri Konsa

Ezri Konsa can count himself fortunate. He should have conceded a penalty against Ghana after clattering into Prince Kwabena Adu inside the box without getting near the ball. As Carlos Queiroz joked, “The VAR must have gone for a coffee.” Reckless moment aside, Konsa delivered a steady performance overall. While he hasn’t completely convinced yet — having been slow to react during one of Croatia’s goals — it’s not time to panic. A bit of faith could go a long way.

Centre-Back: Marc Guehi

This selection could be pivotal. The John Stones experiment against Croatia simply didn’t work. Once a key figure for England, Stones has struggled for fitness and form, looking far removed from his 2023 self. Marc Guehi replaced him for the Ghana match and produced a decent display — tidy, composed, and positionally sound. Though his distribution was conservative, he made the right decisions and avoided mistakes. That composure is exactly what England require right now.

Left-Back: Djed Spence

Tuchel’s decision to deploy Djed Spence at left-back last match surprised many. Nico O’Reilly wasn’t poor against Croatia, yet found himself benched. Spence, however, justified his selection with solid defensive work and smart attacking runs. He did enough to earn another start. Should Reece James be unavailable, Spence may shift to the right with O’Reilly reclaiming the left-back spot. Either way, the Spurs defender has strengthened his case for inclusion.

Central Midfield: Declan Rice

Declan Rice was spotted with heavy strapping on his lower leg after the Ghana game and appeared to struggle towards the end. Tuchel had already hinted after the opener that Rice was carrying an injury. Despite these fitness concerns, Rice remains indispensable — arguably England’s most vital player. With group leadership on the line, he simply must play.

Central Midfield: Elliot Anderson

Congratulations to the £116 million man! Reports on Thursday confirmed that Elliot Anderson will join Manchester City after the World Cup — a deserved reward for a consistent and versatile midfielder. He seems well-suited to thrive at the Etihad, surrounded by world-class talent. For now, Anderson’s role with England is equally crucial. He links play seamlessly between Rice and Jude Bellingham, keeping England’s rhythm intact. Not flashy, but highly effective.

Attacking Midfield: Jude Bellingham

No need to reach for the Morgan Rogers option just yet. Bellingham was substituted for Rogers against Ghana, a move that felt harsh given his match-winning potential. Even when he drifts in and out of games, Bellingham’s presence remains vital. Despite a quieter performance versus Ghana, his brilliance against Croatia earned him the right to start again.

Right Wing: Bukayo Saka

Now for some changes. Tuchel hinted that Bukayo Saka was nearly fit to face Ghana, so it was surprising to see him left out entirely. Given England’s struggles to break down the Black Stars, his absence was even more puzzling. This time, with three points crucial, the Arsenal winger should feature from the first whistle.

Centre Forward: Harry Kane

Harry Kane missed a golden opportunity against Ghana — something unlikely to happen again. There’s no need for over-analysis here. The notion that England rely too heavily on him doesn’t hold weight. Kane is their best player and the nation’s most reliable goal scorer. Simple as that.

Left Wing: Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford had a solid case to start against Ghana after scoring versus Croatia and impressing off the bench. Despite that, Anthony Gordon was preferred for his defensive discipline and work rate. Against Panama, though, England may need more cutting edge. It’s a close call, but Rashford’s pace and directness give him the edge. Rogers could be an alternative, but his tendency to congest spaces makes Rashford the better choice.