England suffered a slight setback with the 0-0 draw against Ghana, but they will be aiming to bounce back against already-eliminated Panama, who are pointless and goalless after the first two games.
Tuchel’s Three Lions take on the Central American side at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Saturday in a contest assessed by Racing Post football expert Dan Childs.
There are a maximum of six more games left on England's schedule, but Tuchel has the look of a coach in a hurry as he works out how to smooth out the rough edges of his team.
England showed defensive vulnerability in their 4-2 triumph over Croatia and lacked an offensive spark against Ghana, who sat deep and held out for a hard-earned point.
And achieving a more complete performance is the obvious challenge for Tuchel, who may be plotting a few more changes to his starting XI.
While England are looking to grow into the tournament, Panama are getting ready to depart after narrow 1-0 defeats at the hands of Ghana and Croatia.
The Canal Men have looked a more competitive side than they were at Russia 2018, but their search for a first World Cup point is ongoing after five successive defeats on the biggest stage.
Bet on England at the World Cup.
Panama v England Tips Summary
Best Bet - England win to nil @ 4/5
Alternative Bet - Carlos Harvey to be carded @ 7/2
Bet Builder - England to win by 3+ goals, Harry Kane to score first goal & Bukayo Saka to assist @ 14/1
Over 7500 customers won Bet Credits from the first week of our WC26 Matchday Reveal.
— bet365 (@bet365) June 19, 2026
Week two is live with more chances to win with every reveal!
Panama v England Prediction
Best Bet: England win to nil @ 4/5
England are keen to advance to the round of 32 as Group L winners and they can sign off from the first phase of the tournament with a comfortable victory.
It would have been an ideal scenario for the Three Lions to have clinched first place with a game to spare, but they may eventually look back on the Ghana game as a useful learning experience.
Ghana were physical and fully committed and their cautious tactical approach may be followed by Panama, who would prefer to leave the tournament with a point or three in their back pocket.
But Panama players looked understandably disappointed after the final whistle against Croatia, and it is doubtful whether they will be able to replicate Ghana’s defensive masterclass.
England will aim to start at a high tempo, knowing that their lives will be made a lot easier if they can make the early breakthrough.
They have scored first-half goals in five of their last seven competitive games and another quick start could set them up for a fairly high-scoring success.
Alternative Bet: Carlos Harvey to be carded @ 7/2
Panama have been combative in the centre of the park with midfielder Carlos Harvey in the thick of things.
Harvey has committed six fouls, which is the joint-highest in the section alongside Ghana’s Jordan Ayew.
The 26-year-old should have some interesting battles with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson and he looks overpriced for a booking.
Panama v England Bet Builder Tip
- England to win by 3+ goals
- Harry Kane to score first goal
- Bukayo Saka to assist
Pays 14/1
England were 6-1 winners against Panama at Russia 2018 and they can ease to another wide-margin success.
Panama look to have improved over the last eight years, but the contest against England is their toughest assignment.
A number of England players will be keen to make amends for the midweek performance, including captain Harry Kane, who looks a solid bet to start the scoring.
Kane could be ably assisted by Bukayo Saka, who is widely expected to make his first start of the tournament.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
- England have kept clean sheets in 11 of their last 12 competitive games
- Thirteen of England's last 14 wins have been accompanied by clean sheets
- England have started the scoring in 12 of their last 13 competitive matches
- The Three Lions have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven competitive fixtures
- Panama have lost all of their five World Cup fixtures
- The Canal Men have failed to score in three of their five World Cup games
Read more football betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
