World Cup 2026: England vs Panama Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

England will take on Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with kickoff at 23:00 CAT on the final Group L matchday. England can guarantee top spot with a win, while Panama have already been eliminated after losing both of their opening matches. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

England

England made a strong start by beating Croatia before a goalless draw with Ghana still left them top of the group. Harry Kane leads the line and Jude Bellingham gives them control in midfield, though it would be no surprise to see Thomas Tuchel rotate with qualification secured. Bukayo Saka has been managing a minor issue and could be eased back in, while Marcus Rashford may be rested. I expect England to make several changes but still carry far too much quality for Panama.

Predicted Lineup: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Konsa, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Panama

Panama have endured a tough tournament, losing to Ghana and Croatia without scoring and going out before the final round. They will set up to defend deep and frustrate, with goalkeeper Mosquera likely to be busy. Adalberto Carrasquilla will try to give them a foothold in midfield  if he plays, and Michael Murillo will marshal the defence. With nothing left to play for, I expect Panama to focus on damage limitation.

Predicted Lineup: Mosquera; Andrade, Cordoba, Murillo, Ramos; Blackman, Barcenas, Harvey, Carrasquilla; Fajardo, Rodriguez.

England have the quality to win this comfortably, but a potentially rotated side against a Panama team with nothing left to chase can sometimes lack a cutting edge. I expect England to control the game and win to nil without running up a big score. My forecast: England 2 Panama 0.

BTTS: No (1.61)

I am backing BTTS: No. Panama have failed to score in either of their matches and now have nothing to play for, while England will keep a settled defensive shape even with changes elsewhere. A clean sheet for England looks likely and 1.61 is the pick of the board.