Ahead of the World Cup, England will have hoped to be in a position to rest players for their final Group L game against Panama.

That is no longer an option after the Three Lions struggled to a goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel’s side are still top of the table but have work to do to make sure they progress to the knock-out stages as group winners.

England made two changes between their first two games, switching things around at the back, but more may well be in store for the game against Panama.

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Though it won’t be full rest and rotation, Tuchel could shuffle his pack – for both tactical and fitness reasons.

So what is the latest team news ahead of Saturday’s game? And how could both sides line up?

Radio Times brings you the predicted team news for Panama v England at World Cup 2026.

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Panama v England team news

England have been sweating on the fitness of right-back Reece James and midfielder Declan Rice ahead of the Panama game, who both missed training on Thursday.

Rice’s injury is thought to be less of a concern, which suggests he will reprise his role in midfield, but Djed Spence could well start in place of James.

Bukayo Saka impressed from the bench against Ghana and looks to be ready to make his first start of World Cup 2026 but Marcus Rashford’s limited minutes suggest Anthony Gordon may keep his place.

Injuries to midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla and captain Anibal Godoy have plagued Panama during the tournament and their involvement could once again be limited – with Thomas Christiansen sticking with the 4-5-1 that has seen them perform well so far.

Panama v England predicted line-ups

Panama: Mosquera; Murillo, Cordoba, Ramos, Andrade, Blackman; Martinez, Barcenas, Harvey, Rodriguez; Fajardo

England: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

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Authors

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.