Marcus Rashford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek can help England unlock Panama in World Cup Group G clash

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  • England will be hoping to produce more of the impressive play exhibited against Tunisia when they face Panama in a World Cup Group G clash on Sunday.

    The Three Lions won their opening match 2-1 while their opponents succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to group leaders Belgium.

    Here are a few talking points ahead of the encounter.

    UNLOCKING A STUBBORN DEFENCE

    Belgium ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Panama in the end but they didn’t exactly cruise through proceedings. Hernan Dario Gomez made certain the Red Devils didn’t have it all their own way as he set his side up to frustrate the Europeans.

    England must be braced for similar treatment. Much of their encounter against Tunisia was a case of attack versus defence and there will only be more of that in this meeting with the central Americans. Gareth Southgate must ensure his side are on the front foot and a couple of personnel changes could help them sharpen their attack.

    Reports Dele Alli didn’t train with England on Thursday means Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be in line for a starting role. Alli had a couple of good moments against Tunisia and can be lethal in front of goal but Loftus-Cheek is considered the more creative presence in midfield.

    England’s crisp passing was a feature of the opening half hour against the Tunisians and they will need to move the ball quickly again to unlock what promises to be a stubborn defence. As such, the Chelsea midfielder who enjoyed a decent loan spell at Crystal Palace this past season could be key given his range of passing.

    Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling proved to be a disappointment in England’s opener and affording Marcus Rashford a chance up front instead could pay dividends. Belgium were guilty of wasting numbers behind the ball when in possession against Panama.

    Their centre-backs didn’t step up enough and the wing-backs should’ve been further up the pitch. England must not succumb to the same pitfalls though the way their back three in particular carried the ball forward against Tunisia bodes well for them.

    Southgate may give Loftus-Cheek a start

    Southgate may give Loftus-Cheek a start.

    PANAMA BRING THE PAIN

    Given England’s display early on in their opener, Panama will be wary of allowing the Three Lions time and space to find their rhythm. They certainly aren’t shy of a challenge so Southgate’s side can expect a few tackles flying in. Panama’s feisty approach is probably the most dangerous weapon in their arsenal.

    Even during their warm-up games, they refused to tone it down with Blas Perez getting sent off for a high challenge on Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. In their opener against Belgium, Panama were issued five yellow cards which is the joint-highest in a World Cup game since the Netherlands kicked lumps over eventual winners Spain in the 2010 final.

    They also have the second oldest squad at the tournament and will struggle to keep pace with England’s youthful and energetic forward runners. Hopefully, the likes of Kevin Trippier, Ashley Young and perhaps even Rashford have been working on their free-kicks.

    Panama won't hold back

    Panama won’t hold back.

    JESSE FINISH BETTER

    England’s assault on Tunisia’s goal petered off in the second-half but even so, they ended the game with 14 key passes. They started the game like a house on fire should really have had a comfortable three-goal lead by half-time.

    However, they were guilty of missing some glorious opportunities and Jesse Lingard was a repeat offender. The Manchester United midfielder showed great movement and endeavour to get into promising positions but failed to make the most of the chances which came his way, hitting the woodwork on one occasion as well.

    In contrast, Harry Kane put away both of the chances that fell to him with aplomb. While the skipper was always expected to shoulder the bulk of the goal-scoring responsibility, some of the other players need to step up.

    Every chance missed against Panama will only breed belief among the opposition’s defence that they can be kept at bay.

    England must be more clincal

    England must be more clinical.

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