Gareth Southgate will be aiming to mastermind another England win at the World Cup when they face Panama in a 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 key tactics that could come into play during the encounter at the Nizhny Novogorod Stadium.
TWEAKING THE FORMATION
If things do get overly congested in central areas, Southgate may consider tweaking his system ever so slightly to a 3-4-3 formation, similar to the one Belgium employ. That would allow both Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling to occupy the pitch at the same time and receive the ball in the half spaces.
From there, they can either link up with Harry Kane or create an overload on one of the flanks. It may also help create a pocket of space behind the striker which either Sterling, Rashford or Ruben Loftus-Cheek – bombing on from midfield – can drop into and exploit.
It will make things all the more difficult for Gabriel Gomez who will be tasked with guarding that area of the pitch.
A slight change could make all the difference.
TORRES TIME
Dario Gomez’s primary focus against Belgium was understandably to frustrate them and hope to grind out a point. While that will largely be the approach against England as well, failure to get anything out of the first game means they will have to be slightly more adventurous in this fixture.
Gabriel Torres is their best attacker but was left on the bench in the first game. The centre-forward may be afforded a start this time around, perhaps in support of striker Blas Perez.
His pace and trickery could be key to Panama hurting England on the break. The way Australia have used Tom Rogic is perhaps the best example.
Gabriel Torres is Panama’s best route forward.
CROSSES MAY BE KEY FOR ENGLAND
Panama will look to be compact and stifle play through the middle. As a result, England may be forced to go around them if they’re unable to create openings in central areas. With Kane on the pitch as well, that’s always a viable option.
It bodes well for them then both wing-backs can deliver quality crosses. Kevin Trippier in particular, attempted 10 crosses against Tunisia, seven of which found a team-mate.
It was his delivery from a corner which led to Kane’s winner while Ashley Young’s saw John Stones denied before the striker scored the opener off the rebound. While Young’s delivery has been good, his need to check back onto his right foot does slow play down when early crosses could be key. Danny Rose may be a better option.
Kieran Trippier’s delivery will be key.
