England must bounce back immediately from their draw with Ghana, but history suggests there is little reason for outright panic just yet.
Alan Shearer has pointed to a notable trend showing that every World Cup winner since 2006 has dropped points in their opening two group games.
However, those same champions all went on to win their respective groups, and Shearer is confident England can follow that pattern by beating Panama on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel is expected to make three or even four changes to his starting lineup following a performance that Shearer described as deeply disappointing.
The biggest selection decision facing Tuchel centres on his wingers, with Shearer critical of both Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke for their display against Ghana.
Shearer argued that neither winger attacked their defender with enough directness, while their crossing was described as really poor and regularly failing to beat the first man.
Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have both done enough in their substitute appearances across the two games to earn starting berths against Panama.
Shearer believes Saka’s fitness is the only reason he has not started either game, but expects him to come in on the right if ready, with Rashford operating on the left.
“What I want to see from both of them is more energy and to be more direct in one against one situations by trying to go past players,” Shearer said.
Nico O’Reilly could also return at left-back in place of Djed Spence, having offered noticeably more creativity and quality in his substitute appearance against Ghana.
O’Reilly got into strong positions, contributed more on the ball, and was unfortunate to see a header strike the crossbar during that cameo.
Shearer also noted that John Stones could come back in for Ezri Konsa, pointing to defensive concerns that emerged despite England’s primary problem being an inability to break Ghana down.
Jordan Pickford has not looked as assured as usual, with his distribution poor in the opener and his judgment questioned when he rushed off his line against Ghana.
Panama are already eliminated from the tournament following two defeats and are only playing for pride, though Shearer does not expect that to alter their defensive approach.
England will likely face another packed defence and must show greater urgency by moving the ball faster and taking more risks in the final third.
Shearer was firm that Declan Rice’s midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson should be left undisturbed, and that Harry Kane must remain in the team regardless of other changes.
“I would 100% keep Kane in there to help us do that,” Shearer stated, insisting the striker’s experience is too valuable given England’s current position.
England remain top of their group and Shearer included them alongside the USA, France, Argentina and Spain among the teams who have impressed him at the tournament.
Spain drew with Cape Verde and France struggled in the first half against Senegal, demonstrating that even the strongest nations have had their difficult moments.
With bigger tests awaiting in the knockout stage, England must use Saturday as an opportunity to restore confidence and secure top spot in their group.
