Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson are main men as England take on Panama at the World Cup

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • England tackle their second World Cup 2018 match on Sunday when they take on Panama at the Nizhny Novogorod Stadium.

    The Group G clash may see a change or two in personnel but a few star performers from the first round of fixtures will be expected to deliver again as well.

    Here’s a look at some of the main protagonists ahead of the encounter.

    DANGEROUS ATTACKERS

    Marcus Rashford v Blas Perez

    Raheem Sterling may be dropped in favour of Marcus Rashford according to reports from the England camp. The Manchester United forward has had some impressive displays on the international stage of late and following the team’s wastefulness in front of goal, Gareth Southgate is naturally tempted to give him an opportunity.

    Rashford’s pace and eye for goal means he’s always a threat but his link-up play may prove valuable against a Panama side inclined to sit deep and defend.

    Meanwhile, Blas Perez led the line for Panama against Belgium and should resume his role up front but it is his aggression towards the opposition’s players and ability to bring those around him into play that makes him more dangerous than his ability in front of goal.

    The striker is known for his bruising displays and was even sent off in a recent friendly against Denmark. He didn’t register a single shot in his 72-minute spell last time out but did win six headers and held the ball up well before releasing his team-mates.

    Marcus Rashford

    Opportunity beckons for Marcus Rashford.

    MIDFIELD ANCHORMEN

    Jordan Henderson v Gabriel Gomez

    The Liverpool skipper got the nod ahead of Eric Dier for the holding midfield role against Tunisia and given his performance, the Tottenham man may face find a starting berth hard to come by over the course of the tournament.

    England enjoyed plenty of possession but to Henderson’s credit, he didn’t play it safe and simply recycle possession. He actively seeked to undo Tunisia’s defence with several forward passes and sprayed the ball around admirably.

    In fact, he played seven long balls in the match – usually diagonally to one of the flanks in his attempts to stretch play – and was accurate with six of them. A similar display will be required against Panama.

    On the other hand, Gabriel Gomez’s role as anchorman in Panamas midfield could not be more different. When he did receive the ball, his primary objective was to keep possession and he did that well as his 97.8 per cent pass accuracy against Belgium would suggest.

    However, when the opportunity presented itself, he was keen to go long towards Perez who was then expected to hold it up. He managed that flawlessly as well, making all of his six attempted long balls.

    Otherwise, the bulk of his contributions were made in a defensive aspect with his three interceptions standing out. Given England’s runners from midfield, Gomez will have to be on his guard.

    Gabriel Gomez (r) kept a close eye on Belgium's attackers.

    Gabriel Gomez (r) kept a close eye on Belgium’s attackers.

    STARS IN DEFENCE

    Kevin Trippier v Roman Torres

    Kevin Trippier was one of England’s best players in their opener. Playing more like a winger, his delivery from the right flank was exceptional.

    The Spurs wing-back may be called upon to produce more of the same against a Panama side that will be expected to congest the central areas. With space to exploit against Tunisia, he wasn’t afraid to take a man on as well, registering three dribbles in the process.

    At the other end, if Panama manage to keep England at bay, a large part of that will be down to Roman Torres. The experienced centre-back is a no-nonsense defender. He made three interceptions and a remarkable eight clearance to frustrate Belgium for much of the game last time out.

    He’s strong in the air and is a real threat from set-pieces in the opposition’s penalty area.

    Kieran Trippier's delivery will be key.

    Kieran Trippier’s delivery will be key.

    Recommended