The DAZN Panel: What team should England play against Panama?

The Three Lions are all but through to the next phase of the World Cup , but still need a positive result against the South Americans to secure top spot in the group. 

After the impressive opening win over Croatia, England fans got a reality check against Ghana , where they failed to break down the Africans and could only manage a goalless draw. 

Thomas Tuchel is now expected to tinker with his starting line-up for this side's final game, so what changes should the German make? The DAZN Panel has had its say. 

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Rice: Ghana draw not a setback for England

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Ash Rose 

Although England are pretty much through, despite the lacklustre performance against Ghana, Thomas Tuchel hasn't given himself the luxury of resting players with an improved display needed and a win to secure top spot.

So, I expect there to be minimal personnel changes. Personally, I'd do away with two sitting midfielders - probably Declan Rice and give his niggles a rest - and play both Morgan Rogers and Bellingham to give the Three Lions even more of an attacking threat. 

If Bukayo Saka is fit, then he needs to start, and it's time to take the ineffective Anthony Gordon out of the line-up and bring Marcus Rashford in.

Any England team  should beat Panama, but it's more the nature of the victory that is needed to get things back on track. 

Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Matt Astbury 

Manager Thomas Tuchel is caught between a rock and a hard place; he will be keen to rotate against Panama, but first, he must get the job done and secure top spot in Group L. 

I expect him to go with many of the same players who started against Ghana, but Anthony Gordon will be replaced by Marcus Rashford.

Then at left back, Nico O’Reilly to start over Djed Spence. O’Reilly does have the ability to be effective in attack, and it could be the difference against a team which will ‘Park the Bus’.

Andrew Steel 

Victory over Ghana would have allowed Thomas Tuchel to rest and rotate his star men - but having arguably botched his selection in Boston, the German now faces the dilemma of whether to stick or twist here.

Panama, in theory, offer the easiest test the Three Lions will get at this tournament. A change in wing formation - Marcus Rashford and, if fit, Bukayo Saka, for Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke - will offer more incisive cut from out wide.

Nico O'Reilly should be in line for a recall too, after Djed Spence's relatively lacklustre performance. Perhaps, too, there could be the benefit to older heads holding court - might Jordan Henderson get a recall to partner Declan Rice over Elliot Anderson? Unlikely, but it's worth a shot.

Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

Gareth Jones 

Any England XI must be beating Panama. Plus, if it goes wrong, does it really matter if England don’t win the group, with likely opponents of a similar standard, whether finishing first or second?

So, I’d rest Rice, also on a yellow, Bellingham, and Kane. Play one holding midfielder rather than two, and start Tony, with Watkin’s pacing coming on later to cause problems.

I don’t fancy any of our wingers, but give Saka 45 minutes to get his fitness going again, and Eze needs a chance. Having said all that, I’d expect Tuchel to still start both Kane and Bellingham.

Chris Walker 

This is Panama, and with Declan Rice rumoured to be carrying an injury, this experiment of two sitting midfielders should come to an end. Having Elliiot Anderson protecting with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rodgers in front is the three-man midfield Thomas Tuchel should go for.

Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke were ineffective against Ghana, so bringing in Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka should be a straightforward decision for the manager.

Reece James is also speculated to be doubtful, so that could see Djed Spence switched to right back with Nico O’Reilly returning to his familiar role on the opposite side. Marc Guehi and Ezri Konza can both keep their place in front of Jordan Pickford.
 

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