Fifa World Cup 2026: England will make their way to New York later for their last group game against Panama
England sweat on the fitness of Reece James - who could fill in at right back if he is injured?
Ecuador are currently set to be England's next opponents in the last 32 if Thomas Tuchel's side finish top after they stunned Germany leaving Scotland on the brink of elimination
Who will England play if they don't win their group?
England v Panama (Sat, 22:00 BST)
England
On how he is finding his first World cup tournament, Eze said: "It's a beautiful experience.
"It's a great opportunity for all of us to play in a competition like this and have a chance of winning it as well. Having that as a goal, it's an amazing thing to be a part of.
"Whatever I am called upon to do that's the mentality I have, I'll attack it as much as I can."
England v Panama (Sat, 22:00 BST)
England
On what it was like to be brought on against Ghana and make his World Cup debut, Eberechi Eze said: "It's good. It's exactly the position you want to be in as a player. You want to come in and try to affect the game and help.
"Every game is difficult and different. You face different challenges. It was a tough game to come into. They were extremely solid and robust in how they played, which made it difficult for us at times."
Panama v England (Sat, 22:00 BST)
England
Shall we hear what Eberechi Eze had to say when he spoke to the media overnight?
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Mainoo should be given an opportunity against Panama. Rice needs to be rested given he has played 68 games this season and has been managing injuries.
Josh
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland v Panama (Sat, 22:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesThere is some positive news though about Declan Rice who left the Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping on his left calf.
The midfielder missed Thursday's training session, but sources indicate the 27-year-old fitness is not a concern.
Whether Thomas Tuchel will play Rice against Panama remains to be seen - particularly given he is at risk of suspension for the round of 32 after he was booked against Ghana.
Panama v England (Sat, 22:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesReece James has sustained a number of injuries in his career and has faced a lot of questions about his ability to play regularly with limited recovery time.
He looked to have got over those problems, but picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the 2025-26 campaign which kept him out for four weeks and meant he missed England's games against Japan and Uruguay.
Speaking before Tuesday's match against Ghana, in which James suffered a hamstring issue, he told BBC Radio 5 Live: "People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it's so boring now.
"I have one job, which is to be the best I can when I'm on the pitch. I understand the stigma at the start, but after a while it gets boring.
"I've been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don't listen to too much noise.
"I just focus on myself and my body, trying to perform the best I can and help the team I'm playing in."
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I would drop Rice and give Jordan Henderson a start. Rice looked tired in the last game.
Michael
James out injured potentially... quelle surprise! Rice, James and Kane should be rested anyway. Toney/Watkins etc are good enough to beat Panama, and even with a loss we most likely progress anyway so why risk them all?
Jason
Panama v England (Sat, 22:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesThomas Tuchel's original squad included two ready-made replacements for Reece James - Djed Spence and Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento.
Chelsea's James has suffered with injuries throughout his career, but Tuchel was keen to include the 26-year-old defender despite the possibility that he may not be able to play every game at this World Cup.
With Spence and Livramento in the squad, that gave the England manager plenty of cover.
But Livramento, who, like Spence, can play at both right-back and left-back, had also been plagued by injuries this season.
When the former Southampton defender had to pull out of the World Cup the day before England's opening game, that highlighted a potential source of weakness in Tuchel's squad selection.
There were cries for him to pick another specialist full-back as Livramento's replacement, with Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall at the top many fans' list, closely followed by Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, Tuchel opted instead to bring in Chelsea's 26-year-old centre-back Trevoh Chalobah.
When asked to explain this decision, the German said that Chalobah's inclusion would "free up" Jarell Quansah to deputise at full-back.
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The nation is still scratching its collective head about why Tuchel picked so many injury prone players including Stones, James, Livramento, Madueke, Saka over more physically robust alternatives. Hopefully, these odd decisions will be vindicated when we win the competition.
Iain
Reece James injury doubt, is the least surprising update of this World Cup. Why we don't have Trent in the squad is beyond me.
James
Panama v England (Sat, 22:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesIf Reece James is not fit to play against Panama then who will England manager Thomas Tuchel turn to?
The natural replacement is Tottenham's Djed Spence, who started England's draw with Ghana at left full-back, but can play on either flank.
Other candidates could include Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, who is normally a centre-back but does sometimes play as a full-back on either side of a four-man defence.
Tuchel could also move Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa from his centre-back position, where he has started for England in their two group games.
One final option could be to change systems to play three centre-backs and use a more attacking wide player as a wing-back.
Defenders in Tuchel's England squad: Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), John Stones (Manchester City), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
England v Panama
Sami Mokbel
BBC Sport Senior football correspondent at Boston Stadium
Image source, Getty ImagesReece James missed training with England on Thursday which has thrown his fitness into doubt for the Three Lions' final Group L game against Panama.
The 26-year-old right-back suffered a hamstring issue in the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday and did not train with his team-mates in England's penultimate session before Saturday's game.
England
A bit of team news to bring you now from BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel...
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I want us to play the hardest team at every possible step. I understand it may put me in the minority, but I want good football before anything else. I'd rather watch us play against Brazil type football than another low block where we lose 1-0.
Harry
England
This is much simpler.
If England finish second in their group they will play the runners-up in Group K - which is currently Portugal - in Toronto at 00:00 BST on Friday, 3 July.
Portugal play group leaders Colombia in their final game on Sunday (00:30 BST).
If Portugal win that game, then England will play Colombia in a re-match of their last-16 tie at the 2018 World Cup, which Gareth Southgate's side famously won on penalties.
Should Portugal draw, then they will face England.
Should they lose, the Three Lions could face DR Congo, if they beat Uzbekistan in their final game and overhaul Portugal on goal difference. DR Congo's current goal difference is -1, while Portugal's is +5.
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We are just assuming England will either win or match Ghana result. What happens if we draw and Croatia win. We come second is that a more favourable side of the draw?
Simon
Hold your horses Simon ... we're going to that next!
England
If England remain top, they will play a third-placed team from one of four groups:
* = Group still to be completed
Which country England play next is determined by a formula, as each third-placed finisher could play one of four different group winners.
The best thing to do is keep across BBC Sport's knockout draw predictor, which is updated using the latest live score data and will show the final draw for the last 32 as soon the final group games are completed.
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England have to up their game to be serious contenders. Scotland made critical mistakes but didn't get to the WC by chance.
Howard
Anyone familiar with BBC Sport's knockout draw predictor will know by now that, as it stands, England will play Ecuador in the last 32.
That is assuming England finish top of Group L and Ecuador remain in the same position in the third-place ranking table.
All things remaining equal, the Three Lions will play Ecuador in Atlanta at 17:00 BST on Wednesday.
Panama v England (Sat, 22:00 BST)
England are currently top of Group L ahead of Ghana on goal difference going into Saturday's game against Panama.
Thomas Tuchel's men must equal or better Ghana's result against Croatia to remain at the summit and play a third-placed team in the last 32.
If both games are draws, England win the group.
If both win, top spot would be decided on goal difference, which sees England on +2 and Ghana +1, but the Three Lions have scored three more goals.
Should goal difference finish identical, it will go to disciplinary record (England -1, Ghana -2) and then, finally, England would secure it on Fifa world ranking.
England
We're going to turn our attention now to England, who are back in action on Saturday night (22:00 BST) for their final Group L game against Panama.
Panama are already eliminated from the 2026 World Cup having lost back-to-back games against Ghana and Croatia.
England and Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze spoke to the media in Kansas whilst we were all fast asleep here at home. But don't worry, we're going to bring you all the lines from his news conference shortly.
First though, let's have a look at how Group L looks and what England need to progress to the last 32.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
|
