Soccer
England hope for repeat of 2018 as they get set to pick off Panama and top World Cup group
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When England take to the field on Saturday night to face Panama, they'll know all they need is a point to make absolutley sure of progression to the World Cup knockout stage.
Yet, after the lacklustre showing against Ghana in their second game, they really need a performance more akin to what they showed against Croatia in the opener.
The goalless draw with the Africans was dull, yes, but not damaging, but a comfortable win against a team already eliminated from the competition would really get things back on track.
In fact, what they need is a rinse and repeat display from the only other time they've played Panama, in the group stages of World Cup 2018.
Back then, the Three Lions were in the infancy of Gareth Southgate's England revolution and went into that second group game off the back of a win over Tunisia.
That victory came courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Harry Kane, but there was no need for any late show from England or their star striker against the South Americans.
It took just eight minutes for Southgate's men to take the lead, as John Stones rose highest to give the Three Lions the lead.
By half-time, the game was a forgone conclusion as Stones added his second, in between two goals from Harry Kane and a Jesse Lingard worldie.
They stepped off the gas somewhat in the second half, with Kane fortuitously completing his hat-trick, before Panama grabbed a late consolation in the 6-1 win.
It was a final where England progressed all the way to the semi-finals before a heartbreaking defeat to Croatia. Now they are hoping a win this weekend will see them go one better in 2026.
Watch every goal from England 6-1 Panama from World Cup 2018
England 1-0 Panama – John Stones
England 2-0 Panama – Harry Kane
England 3-0 Panama – Jesse Lingard
England 4-0 Panama – John Stones
England 5-0 Panama – Harry Kane
England 6-0 Panama – Harry Kane
England 6-1 Panama – Felipe Baloy
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