Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup are preparing for their third and final Group L fixture, with qualification for the knockout rounds virtually assured.

DON'T MISS THE MATCH

TV & Streaming Guide: How to watch England vs Panama on Saturday night

Opposition Insight: Explore the full Panama World Cup squad here

Thomas Tuchel is managing his first major tournament with England — the first since Euro 2016 without Gareth Southgate — and expectations are immense. A clever and disciplined Croatia side were brushed aside 4-2, while a stubborn Ghana outfit held England to a frustrating draw, threatening on the counter. Though England boast enviable attacking depth, defensive options remain limited as Tuchel continues his search for a consistent back four. England were the earliest European qualifiers for this World Cup and remain among the favourites, but with several strong challengers, they must impress against Panama, ranked over 20 places above Ghana in the FIFA World Rankings.

England’s roster is formidable. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Lewis Hall missed out at full-back, while Harry Maguire was also left out. Adam Wharton, Jarrod Bowen, Conor Gallagher, and Levi Colwill did not make the cut, but Trevoh Chalobah earned a late call-up to replace the injured Tino Livramento.

Ivan Toney’s inclusion among the forwards surprised many, while Jordan Henderson makes history by appearing in his seventh tournament for England. Tuchel has also placed trust in newcomers Dan Burn, Noni Madueke, and Jarell Quansah, all making their international tournament debuts.

If you can’t beat them, recruit them. Tired of repeated tournament exits at the hands of Germany, the FA turned to Bavarian tactician Thomas Tuchel in January 2025. A Champions League winner with Chelsea, the 52-year-old is known for his tactical acumen and competitive edge. Now, he must deliver.

Confidence has only grown after England’s flawless qualifying run: eight wins from eight, 22 goals scored, none conceded. They were the only team to qualify for the USA, Mexico, and Canada without conceding a single goal — an impressive feat given their defensive concerns. Jordan Pickford, despite occasional nervy short passes, remains England’s undisputed No.1, entering his fifth major tournament at age 32.

Tuchel’s most notable innovation has been the emergence of Elliot Anderson as a key midfield anchor. The Nottingham Forest midfielder, who debuted in a 2-0 victory over Andorra last September, has since cemented his partnership with Declan Rice. Anderson’s discipline, work rate, and crisp passing free up Rice to push forward, giving England better balance across the pitch.

Tuchel also appears to have addressed the long-standing No.10 dilemma — Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, or Cole Palmer — by instead deploying Morgan Rogers in that role. Initially forced by injury, the decision has proven inspired, showcasing Tuchel’s tactical boldness and adaptability. The former Lincoln City loanee now looks set to retain his place.

England remain among the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the World Cup, hoping to end a 60-year wait for a major men’s trophy. With Croatia, Ghana, and Panama posing unique challenges in the group stage — and the intense North American climate adding to the test — England will need both composure and creativity to prevail.

Semi-finalists in 2018, quarter-finalists in 2022, and twice runners-up at the Euros — it’s truly a case of win or bust this time.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)*, Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Reece James (Chelsea), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)

*Replaced injured Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)

Tuchel on maintaining belief:

“The boys gave everything and played with the right energy. It’s tough when one team sits deep and you can’t find space; that kind of match isn’t always thrilling. But our focus is always to entertain. It was difficult today, but I hope the supporters keep their faith — there’s still a long way to go.”

On the ‘wake-up call’ narrative:

“No, we don’t need a wake-up call. Everyone is alert and completely committed. There was no overconfidence, maybe at times too much caution, but never arrogance. It’s important to stay balanced — highs shouldn’t be too high, and lows shouldn’t be too low. Today wasn’t a low, just a tough match.”

On reliance on Harry Kane:

“Does Argentina rely too much on Messi or France on Kylian Mbappé? It’s natural for us to depend on Harry because he embraces that responsibility. We rely on him because we can — he’s our striker — but it’s not an overreliance.”

Upcoming Fixtures:

June 27, 2026: Panama vs England, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, United States

September 26, 2026: England vs Spain, Wembley Stadium, London, England

September 29, 2026: Czech Republic vs England, Fortuna Arena, Prague, Czech Republic

October 3, 2026: Croatia vs England, Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia

October 6, 2026: England vs Czech Republic, Wembley Stadium, London, England

November 12, 2026: England vs Croatia, Wembley Stadium, London, England

November 15, 2026: Spain vs England, Venue TBC, Spain

Recent Results:

June 23, 2026: England 0-0 Ghana, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States

June 17, 2026: England 4-2 Croatia, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States

June 10, 2026: England 3-0 Costa Rica, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, United States

June 6, 2026: England 1-0 New Zealand, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, United States

England sit atop Group L heading into their final group match.

Captain Harry Kane comes into the tournament having lifted his first career trophy last season, guiding Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title with 26 goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances. Ranked No.1 in FourFourTwo’s list of the world’s best strikers, Kane’s influence will be vital as England chase their first World Cup triumph since 1966. With 112 caps and 78 goals, he’ll be eager to extend both tallies.

England Predicted XI vs Panama (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane

Panama (5-4-1): Mosquera; Murillo, Ramos, Córdoba, Andrade, Blackman; Rodríguez, Martínez, Harvey, Bárcenas; Fajardo

After a goalless draw against Ghana, Tuchel will expect a sharper performance to clinch top spot. Panama, already eliminated after two narrow 1-0 losses, will play for pride. Though more defensively sound than the side England thrashed 6-1 in 2018, the difference in quality remains vast. Tuchel is likely to demand a more attacking tempo to break down Panama’s compact shape, with Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham providing pace and creativity. Harry Kane, who missed a late chance against Ghana, will be determined to find the net and stay in contention for the Golden Boot — especially against an opponent he scored a hat-trick against in Russia. FourFourTwo’s prediction: England 3-0 Panama, with Harry Kane netting twice.