England vs Panama: Marcus Rashford tipped to start for Three Lions

Dele Alli's injury and a leaked team sheet hampered preparations but that's not a worry.

Published : Jun 22, 2018 21:23 IST

England is looking to all but guarantee its place in the last 16 of the World Cup when it takes on Panama in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday.

Three points for Gareth Southgate's side will secure their spot in the knockouts if Tunisia do not beat Belgium, who lead Group H after the first round of matches after dispatching Panama 3-0.

An injury-time goal from Harry Kane handed the Three Lions its opening victory over Tunisia in Volgograd and they are firm favourite to make it back-to-back successes in their first competitive meeting with Panama.

England's time in Russia has largely gone smoothly but one or two concerns have seeped into Southgate's plans over recent days.

WATCH: Southgate's insights

A thigh injury to Dele Alli looks set to keep him out of the match, while a leaked team sheet appeared to show Raheem Sterling would also be left out of the match against Hernan Dario Gomez's side, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek starting in midfield and Marcus Rashford partnering Kane in attack.

Southgate, who also suffered a dislocated shoulder this week, admonished the media at their base in Repino after the photo of the team notes emerged, casting something of a shadow over what has been a positive atmosphere among players and reporters that has even resulted in a friendly darts competition.

England struggled to break down Tunisia in the second half of its opening match and there are concerns it could find it similarly tough against a physical Panama side, who offered stout resistance against Belgium in a goalless first half.

However, defender Kyle Walker insisted on Friday that the Central American side are the ones who should be worried, saying: "We know they're a physical team. Tunisia like to play the ball out from the back and were very patient but Panama are probably more direct.

"They need to worry about us more than we have to worry about them. We've men in key areas who can go and get goals at any time. If we keep the ball, keep to the style we've been playing, I think we'll be fine."
 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England – Marcus Rashford

Belgium found it tough indeed to break through Panama until Dries Mertens produced a bit of magic, so including Rashford from the start makes perfect sense for England.

The Manchester United forward's pace could be crucial in stretching the defence and giving him and Kane the space they will need in the attacking third.

Panama – Gabriel Gomez

Gomez screened the back four well against Belgium, which would be no easy task for any player, let alone a 34-year-old. He also completed all 46 of his attempted passes in the match.

Aside from his obvious leadership qualities as his country's record caps-holder, Gomez's cool head and clever positioning could be key to halting the forward runs of Jesse Lingard and Loftus-Cheek from midfield, as well as doubling up to stop Kane and Rashford.

 

Video courtesy: FIFA TV

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