Good afternoon and welcome
England still have work to do to ensure the most favourable draw in the World Cup knockouts as they face Panama in their group-stage finale, even after their place in the next round was confirmed.
Thomas Tuchel’s side missed out on the chance to seal top spot in Group L a game early when they were held to a drab goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday, failing to keep up momentum built from a fantastic opening display in the 4-2 over Croatia.
With England now tied with Ghana on four points at the group’s pinnacle, their clash with Panama has turned into a must-win match, though they enter the clash against the already-eliminated nation as heavy favourites and having already guaranteed progression to the next round.
Victory for the Three Lions will set up a round of 32 meeting with a third-place team from one of Group I/J/K, which could see them meet Senegal, who thrashed Iraq 5-0 to ensure their qualification for the knockout stages, or DR Congo if they beat Uzbekistan.
Jamie Braidwood27 June 2026 14:00
