England vs. Panama: Tuchel fields Saka and Rashford for Round of 32 ticket

England's coach Thomas Tuchel is making substantial alterations to the team's attacking lineup for their decisive final Group L match in the 2026 World Cup against Panama. The game is scheduled for Sunday morning at the New Jersey Stadium in the United States.

Harry Kane will retain his position as the primary striker, but Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have been selected to start, bolstering the Three Lions' offensive power. In the previous match, a goalless draw against Ghana, Tuchel relied on Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Harry Kane. Now, Saka and Rashford are given starting roles, with Morgan Rogers also included in the starting XI to provide creative variety behind Kane.

England requires a positive result to secure their advancement to the round of 32 as group leaders. The team will also see changes in defense, with Ezri Konsa remaining in central defense, joined by Nico O'Reilly and Jarell Quansah, who will start alongside Marc Guehi. Jordan Pickford continues as the starting goalkeeper. In midfield, Elliot Anderson will partner Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers to control the game's tempo.

Panama, meanwhile, is expected to employ a defensive 5-4-1 formation. Coach Thomas Christiansen has also made several changes from their previous 0-1 loss to Croatia. Orlando Mosquera will start in goal, supported by Jose Cordoba, Fidel Escobar, Carlos Harvey, Andres Andrade, Amir Murillo, and Jorge Gutierrez in defense. The midfield will feature Cristian Martinez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, and captain Edgar Yoel Barcenas, supporting lone striker Tomas Rodriguez.

For the match against England, the Panamanian coach has opted to include Fidel Escobar, Jorge Gutierrez, and Tomas Rodriguez from the start to enhance defensive and offensive balance.