England still sits atop Group L despite a scoreless draw with Ghana.
Panama were eliminated from contention after 1-0 defeat to Croatia.
Harry Kane is looking to keep pace with other stars in Golden Boot race.
The excitement created by England’s impressive win over Croatia was short-lived, as the team looked listless while failing to beat Ghana. Thomas Tuchel’s men are still on course to win Group L if they beat Panama as expected, but anything else will open the door for Ghana and Croatia, on 4 and 3 points, respectively.
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England is looking to regain momentum against Panama after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana. After looking relentless and creative against Croatia, England couldn’t find a way to break down a determined Ghanaian low block. Harry Kane was left as a bystander, except for a great chance late in the game that the striker should’ve scored. It could’ve been a lot worse for England if Ghana were awarded a late penalty that seemed more than justified.
While disappointing for England, it wasn’t totally unpredictable. Under Carlos Queiroz, Ghana was bound to try and play as deep as possible. With their team speed, they were able to shut down England’s attack before it could get started. While Panama can no longer qualify, it will want to try its best to earn its first World Cup point. It won’t be as easy as replicating Ghana’s game plan, but Panama will likely try it.
England could make changes as it attempts to spark its World Cup run. The side is clearly missing Bukayo Saka, but due to an Achilles injury, it doesn’t seem he’s ready for more than a role off the bench. Nico O’Reilly could return at left back, as a player more comfortable crashing the box. Marcus Rashford could also get his first start of the tournament.
England (-650)
England still needs to win Group L and doesn’t want to run the risk of finishing in second and earning a harder knockout path. Tuchel will be determined to carve out a more convincing performance, so we expect England to be far more direct and aggressive.
England still has some elite players in Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice. With better play from the wings, the team should regain the positivity of the Croatia performance. Panama has been surprisingly stout on defense, allowing just a goal each to Croatia and Ghana. But it has produced just 7 total shots on target, and just doesn’t have the players to worry England.
Under 2.5 (+205)
As we said, we expect England to produce a comfortable win against Panama. But the struggles of the Ghana draw loom large. When it’s forced to play against a far inferior opponent that isn’t trying to attack much itself, England lacks the creative midfielders to unlock a deep low block.
We see England scoring relatively early and managing the game from there. Tuchel could even rest some key players if England gets a second goal and looks comfortable. Panama doesn’t have anything to lose and could push to ensure it doesn’t end its World Cup campaign goalless. But as we said, they don’t have the quality to cause England too many problems.
Marcus Rashford (+150)
Anthony Gordon was one of the more disappointing players for England against Ghana, struggling to get behind the right side of the defense. Rashford, who scored as a substitute against Croatia, instantly looked more dangerous when he was again brought on from the bench. At +150 at FanDuel, one of our favorite World Cup betting sites, Rashford presents solid value.
We expect Tuchel to go with Rashford from the start against Panama, with the forward given license to stretch the back line and make space for the likes of Kane and Bellingham. While Rashford didn’t earn a permanent move to Barcelona last season, he looked his former self again, producing a combined 25 goals and assists.
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