The group stage is nearly done and England go into their final match with four points from two games.
It has already been a mixed tournament. A big win over Croatia, a frustrating draw against Ghana, and now Panama at MetLife Stadium with a chance to build some momentum before the knockouts.
Here is what the first two games have told us.
The Croatia game: exciting, messy and just about enough
Anyone who watched the 4-2 win over Croatia knows it was brilliant and worrying at the same time.
Harry Kane, wearing his Skechers, scored twice in a chaotic first half. First from a retaken penalty after Modric fouled Noni Madueke, then with an unmarked header from a Declan Rice corner. But England still went into half-time level.
Martin Baturina’s strike from outside the box was excellent. Petar Musa’s equaliser just before half-time was much more avoidable.
The game changed at the start of the second half. Bellingham picked up Elliot Anderson’s pass, drove at the Croatia defence and finished low into the far corner. From there, England looked in control.
Livakovic made a string of saves in a short spell, but Marcus Rashford came off the bench and combined with Saka to finish the game off.
Kane’s second goal was his tenth at a World Cup, matching Gary Lineker’s England record. That was the headline. Bellingham’s goal was the turning point.
The main takeaway? Tuchel’s England are not set up to sit back. They want to attack. The new faces in the squad, including Madueke, Anderson and Nico O’Reilly, also looked comfortable on the stage.
The Ghana game: flat but not fatal
Six days later in Boston, England drew 0-0 with Ghana.
It was not a disaster, but it was frustrating. England had the ball, but not enough real threat. They had chances, but not enough conviction. Kane went close late on, which summed up the night. Almost, but not quite.
Ghana are a good side and England still top Group L, so there is no need to panic. But the balance of the team does not look fully right yet.
The front players need better service. The midfield needs to move the ball quicker. And in tournament football, England cannot afford to drift through games.
The good news is simple: England’s fate is still in their own hands.
Before we get to the rest of the tournament, here's where Group L stands heading into the final round:
|
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Pts |
|
England |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
+2 |
4 |
|
Ghana |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
+1 |
4 |
|
Croatia |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
-1 |
3 |
|
Panama |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
-2 |
0 |
Who else looks dangerous?
France have looked like one of the strongest teams so far. Mbappé has scored in both games and Michael Olise has been excellent alongside him. Two wins, one goal conceded and plenty of control. What makes them hard to face is that Mbappé no longer has to carry everything, Olise is creating a genuine second option in attack.
Argentina are also through to the Round of 32 and have not conceded yet. Messi's hat-trick against Algeria was his first ever at a World Cup, and Argentina have not conceded in either game, which tells you this is not just about him.
Brazil had a shaky start, but their 3-0 win over Scotland showed what they can do when things click. Vinícius Júnior already has four goals and Neymar’s return adds even more quality to the squad.
Norway have been one of the surprise stories. Erling Haaland is finally making his mark at a World Cup, and their game against France should tell us how serious they really are.
Germany also made a statement with a 7-1 win over Curaçao. Not much more needs to be said there.
England vs Panama: what to expect
Panama are already out after losing to Ghana and Croatia. That makes them dangerous in a different way. They have nothing to lose and will want to make life difficult for England.
England should still have enough. The key will be patience, width and getting Kane involved in the box.
If Rashford starts after his impact against Croatia, Panama could have a long afternoon.
Prediction: England 3-0 Panama.
Final thoughts
England have not been perfect, but they are still in a strong position.
The talent is there. The goals are there. The question now is whether Tuchel can find the right shape before the knockout rounds begin.
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Come on England.
