England face Panama tonight in their final Group L fixture at the 2026 World Cup, knowing a win will confirm them as group winners. Gareth Southgate's side have been the standout team in the group after back-to-back wins over Croatia and Ghana, and they arrive here with full points and growing confidence. Panama, who drew with Ghana and lost to Croatia, have been eliminated — but they play for pride in only their second World Cup.
The question tonight is not whether England progress, but how. Finishing top of Group L likely means a more favourable knockout draw. Harry Kane needs one more goal to break England's all-time World Cup scoring record. Jude Bellingham has been outstanding in both matches. The platform is there.
England's form going in
Six points, five goals scored, one conceded. The 2-0 win over Croatia was controlled and professional. The 3-1 victory against Ghana was more open but ultimately comfortable. Bellingham has been at the heart of everything good England have produced — scoring against Croatia and setting up two against Ghana. Kane missed a penalty in the Ghana game but has been dangerous throughout and looks sharp. Tonight feels like the night he gets his record.
Southgate will likely rotate to keep his best players fresh for the knockout rounds. England have enough depth to win this without their strongest eleven, which is exactly the position you want to be in heading into the last few days of the group stage.
Panama's position
Panama are out but should not be taken lightly. Their 1-1 draw with Ghana showed they press high and create problems on transitions. England need to be switched on from the first whistle rather than assuming this is a stroll.
The quality gap is significant though. England's pressing game and their ability to move the ball quickly in tight spaces should be enough to take control from early on.
What to expect tonight
England to win. Kane to score. Bellingham to influence proceedings once more. Southgate may rest key men in the second half but the first-choice starters should have too much for Panama. Finishing top of Group L is the priority — everything else flows from that.
Preview: England vs Panama, 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L, Los Angeles. England lead Group L with 6 pts from 2 games. Kane needs 1 goal to break England's all-time World Cup scoring record. Sources: Sky Sports / FIFA.
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