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England will be aiming to beat already-eliminated Panama and finish top of Group L when they face off in their final World Cup 2026 group game at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday night.
The Three Lions currently occupy top spot with four points from their opening two matches, and providing second-placed Ghana do not better their result in terms of a draw or win, they will sail through to the knockouts in first place.
Meanwhile, Panama are playing for pride having already been knocked out, and will hope they can pick up their first-ever World Cup point.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best free bet offers world cup.
Panama vs. England key stats
- Panama have lost all five games at World Cup finals.
- England have lost just once in 12 matches in all competitions (W9, D2).
- England won the only previous H2H 6-1 at the 2018 World Cup.
Panama vs. England preview: Three Lions to take three points?
| Panama | vs | England |
|---|---|---|
| 34 | FIFA Ranking | 4 |
| Anibal Godoy (160) | Most Caps | Harry Kane (116) |
| Jose Fajardo, Ismael Diaz (17) | Most Goals | Harry Kane (81) |
| 1567 | Total Caps | 869 |
| 126 | Total Goals | 153 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Panama have crashed out at their second World Cup at the group stage once more, after also doing so on their debut in 2018.
Incidentally, they have had England in their group on both occasions, and will have flashbacks of being thrashed 6-1 by the Three Lions in Russia.
Having lost all five games at World Cup finals, it is not looking promising for the Canal Men in terms of earning their first-ever World Cup point, especially against a team with the quality England possess.
Thomas Christiansen's side have won just once in five internationals in all competitions (D1, L3), so the Danish manager may be tempted to give others in the squad a chance to impress with no fresh concerns reported.
On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel is sweating on the fitness of Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford, who are carrying minor issues into the game.
Having had his minutes carefully managed from the bench, Bukayo Saka is pushing to start though in place of Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke at right-wing.
Despite the disappointing 0-0 draw to Ghana, England are still in control of Group L and matching a positive Ghana result against Croatia would see them through as group winners.
The Three Lions were on a three-match winning run across all competitions before that stalemate, and should be confident of another victory here as they rank 30 places above Panama in the FIFA rankings.
Panama vs. England form guide & betting tips
| Panama | vs | England |
|---|---|---|
LWDLL |
Form | LWWWD |
| 7 | Goals For | 8 |
| 11 | Goals Against | 3 |
LL |
World Cup 2026 | WD |
Whispers predicts: Panama 0-2 England
England are strong 2/11 (1.18) favourites to win, but while we agree with the bookies, these odds are too short for us to back.
Instead, BTTS – No at 7/10 (1.70) offers slightly better value as an opening bet, given Panama are yet to score at the World Cup so far.
Under 2.5 goals at 21/10 (3.10) also appeals, with six of England's last eight games in all competitions producing under 2.5 goals.
Our final pick focuses on Saka, who could be given his first start in the competition having been eased back to full fitness.
He is the third-highest scorer in the Three Lions squad with 14 goals, and so Saka to score anytime at 7/4 (2.75) could be worth a final punt.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-0 England win, which is available at 13/2 (7.50).
> BTTS – No at 7/10 (1.70) | Likelihood: Probable
> Saka to score anytime at 7/4 (2.75) | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 2.5 goals at 21/10 (3.10) | Likelihood: Possible