England take on Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Friday, aiming to end the World Cup’s group phase on a high after their faux pas against Ghana. Jarell Quansah gets his first World Cup start for England as he replaces injured right-back Reece James, among five changes from coach Thomas Tuchel to his starting lineup. Follow our live, minute-by minute match commentary.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is expecting another arm-wrestle against Panama, days after being held to a frustrating draw by Ghana, who are level with them on four points.
The Three Lions are already qualified but will be looking for a victory to top Group L. Bottom on zero points after two matches, Panama are hoping to exit the World Cup on a high.
Rashford’s header just over the bar
Rashford climbs highest to meet a cross in the Panama box but his header is just over the crossbar.
Anderson tries his luck
Anderson takes a shot from distance but it’s straight at the Panama keeper.
Croatia lead in the group’s other game
Petar Sucic has opened the score for Croatia against Ghana, meaning the Croats currently top Group L on 6 points, ahead of England on 5.
England attack too slow
As expected England have got most of the ball, but they’re too slow and predictable to really trouble their opponents.
Panama, meanwhile, are defending well and are also quick on the break.
Pickford with the save!
Panama are quickest on the ball and Rodriguez blasts a fierce shot that Pickford does well to turn away.
Drinks break
Boos all round as the referee calls a hydration break, which really does feel a little odd given the weather in New Jersey.
Saka blocked again
A lovely Kane pass finds Rogers in the box, who pops it over to Saka, but bodies get in the way before the Arsenal winger can get his shot away.
2018’s demolition job
The last time the teams met at a World Cup, it ended in a mauling.
It’s looking unlikey we’ll get a similar scoreline this time.
Panama with half a chance
A quick Panama counter sends Rodriguez one-on-one with Konsa on the edge of the England box, but he trips over the ball.
Saka’s shot saved
The Arsenal winger does one of his runs from the right and fires a low shot at the near-post, but the keeper is on it.
Rashford looking lively
Another good run by the Barcelona forward leads to a corner for England, but Saka’s low ball into the box is easy prey for the goallie.
Earlier, England had a throw-in overturned because they were too slow to take it, as per the new rules.
Rashford close!
A blistering drive into the bottom corner is parried away by the Panama keeper.
Tuchel fumes as Kane loses possession
Harry Kane overhits his ball wide to Saka and the coach is not impressed.
First shot for Panama!
Tomas Rodriguez tries his luck from outside the box but it’s no trouble for Pickford.
We’re off!
England wearing red shirts and, unusually, black shorts, get the ball rolling.
Panama are in white.
The teams are out
The teams are out at the New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as the MetLife stadium, home of the Jets and the Giants.
It’s been bucketing down all afternoon and the rain is still falling heavily.
Croatia drop Gvardiol for Ghana decider
In the group’s other match, Croatia need a win or a draw against Ghana to be guaranteed their place in the knockout rounds.
Coach Zlatko Dalic gives starts to Ante Budimir and Nikola Vlasic for the first time in this World Cup, and forward Petar Sucic gets a recall, while Manchester City’s Gvardiol is on the bench.
Ghana have already booked their place in the next round and coach Carlos Queiroz brings Kamaldeen Sulemana into the attack for the game in Philadelphia, with Derrick Luckassen coming into the defence in place of Jerome Opoku.
