World Cup: England can secure knockout berth against Panama

England v Panama is the next game up in Group G. The Three Lions will have viewed Panama as the easiest game of the group before the tournament.

There will be certain corners of supporters expecting a big win. It would be hard to argue that England should at least be looking to match Belgium’s result of 3-0 against the Canal Men in Volgograd.

Although it would be great for England to put Panama to the sword, all the players will be caring about is getting the three points, which will mean qualification to the Round of 16. Then all that would be left is to decide who finishes top in the group when England face Belgium.

For Panama, anything is a bonus in their first ever World Cup appearance. But…if they could somehow pull off a shock and not lose against England, a previously unheard of qualification to the round of 16 could be on if England lost against Belgium.

This is a crucial game for both teams. Panama Head Coach Hernan Dario Gomez thinks the match will be a tactical affair where individual brilliance will make the difference. So let’s take a look at the players who could break the deadlock.

It’s hard to see where the Panama threat will come from, whilst Harry Kane has made it perfectly clear how much of a threat he is.

Harry Kane

After his last-gasp winner against Tunisia, all eyes are on Harry Kane now. The England captain will be looking to build on his two goals against Panama in a bid to keep up with the leaders for the Golden Boot. Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku are both on four goals.

He’s in his best goalscoring form for England and will be striking fear into the hearts of the Panama defenders. They’ll have to be on their best behavior since the treatment Tunisia’s defense gave Harry Kane will have the VARs watching closely.

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Dele Alli

The other major talking point for England is the injury to Dele Alli. His likely replacement for the Panama game will be Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Whilst I rate Alli, I don’t think that he will be missed. In fact, I think Loftus-Cheek bringing his physical presence into the team will actually improve the overall balance of the squad.

Alli is almost certainly more of a goal threat, but I think young Ruben will make good on the opportunity he is likely to get and retain his position for the game against Belgium.

His other replacement could be Fabian Delph, who again would bring a bit more of a balance to the midfield three, but doesn’t offer as much creativity as Loftus-Cheek.

Next: Kieran Trippier's journey

Alternatively, England could change the system and move to a 3-4-3. That would allow both Rashford and Sterling to play, but I doubt that Southgate would want to disrupt the chemistry and rhythm of the side just for one game.

With Belgium qualified and Tunisia virtually out, England vs Panama is now the crunch tie. It could decide the fate of both teams. Tune in tomorrow for a fascinating watch.