Panama v England: Tuchel's men to win by two and a 33/1 Bet Builder featuring Guehi, Anderson and O'Reilly

Click here for Panama v England odds
Saturday 27 June, 22:00 kick-off
Live on ITV
MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

England's second group game curse continued at Foxborough on Tuesday night, from a results perspective at least.

Because when viewing the draw as a whole, free from any talk of hexes, it could be argued that Ghana deserved praise far more than England condemnation. It was a defensive masterclass from start to finish.

Still, an inability to break the Black Stars down - despite having 78.2% of the possession - has brought Thomas Tuchel's squad omissions back into focus, for all the good that does.

The England boss meanwhile will almost certainly make changes ahead of Panama, with his creative outlets toiling last time out.

The likeliest switch will be Marcus Rashford coming in for Anthony Gordon, Barcelona's new signing putting in two shifts to date but with minimum impact.

Bukayo Saka is expected to make his first start while Nico O'Reilly is tipped to reclaim the left-back berth. It's no coincidence that England began to pose Ghana problems once the Manchester City man was subbed on.

Panama a tougher nut to crack this time

Panama have made big strides since their last World Cup campaign, shipping in six against England in Russia and taking pride in their consolation goal.

Since the appointment of Thomas Christiansen in 2020, Los Canaleros have focused on defensive solidity to very good effect, frustrating superior opponents on route to a CONCACAF Nations League final and a Gold Cup final in recent times.

They have threats too going forward, especially down their right, which means O'Reilly needs to stay 'on it', but typically a lack of end product and poor decision-making in the final third lets them down.

These strengths and weaknesses have already played out at the World Cup, Panama losing their games to date 1-0, both tight affairs.

Can England do better? Just a win will likely suffice and pertinently Christiansen's men have only conceded more than once on four occasions in their last 20 fixtures. They have played some decent, and half-decent, opposition in that time too.

Another well-organised low-block awaits.

Back sides to rack up corners

Last time out, against Ghana, England were tipped to win the race to seven corners, the Three Lions duly doing so while racking up nine of them all told. They won eight in their opener against Croatia.

This high volume shouldn't surprise given the emphasis Thomas Tuchel has placed on set-pieces this summer and what intrigues in this instance is that Panama are taking the same approach.

In their game vs Croatia they won seven, twice going close via Carlos Harvey.

A low corner-count would genuinely surprise in New Jersey.

14/115.00 Team Bet builder

There is little value in the shots on target market, for teams or individuals. A well-drilled Panama restricted Ghana and Croatia to just two SOT apiece and we all saw on Tuesday how England struggled to break down a low-block.

Hopefully, lessons will have been learned, but to what extent?

Extending on this, Tuchel's side needs to find a more clinical edge, taking on 34 attempts inside the box - the most of any side who have only played twice - but getting little reward.

Eleven of those efforts were blocked at close quarters.

The fouls market is much more enticing, with Panama a physical side that has committed 30 so far.

England to win by exactly 2 goals is the riskiest of the three here but it tallies with how the game is shaped to play out.

Backing England to win 3+ corners in each half meanwhile is a great add to any builder.

33/134.00 Player Prop Bet Builder

It's been mentioned on these pages before now, but it's well worth repeating. Marc Guehi is a master at winning fouls.

It's a skill in itself and few are better at positioning himself between ball and opponent, initiating contact, then throwing himself to the floor.

On Tuesday, the Manchester City man excelled himself, winning seven at the expense of an exasperated Ghana.

The probable inclusion of Nico O'Reilly lends itself to a number of value bets, not least the 5/23.50 available on creating 3+ shots.

It's his aerial threat that appeals most, however, the player taking on four headers in his 114 minutes to date. One was on target, another hitting the woodwork.

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Lastly, Elliot Anderson to have 3 or more tackles jumps out. The midfielder has registered this number - or more - in three of his last five starts for England.

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Now find out what lies in store next for England and Scotland here.