World Cup Day 17 Cheat Sheet: Best bets for Panama v England and more

Panama v England tips and predictions

22:00 - Panama v England: Back player props bet builder at 33/1

Stephen Tudor: 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 5/2 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.

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.

Panama v England: Head to O'Reilly in 9/1 Bet Builder

Dave Tindall: Panama coach Thomas Christiansen will have noted the success of Ghana's low block so expect similar tactics here.

That suggests backing selected England players to rack up shot after shot on target may not be a smart move. After all, Croatia managed just two shots on target in that 1-0 win.

But there are filters we can apply and the one that has appeal is Nico O'Reilly To Have 1 Or More Headed Shots On Target at 11/4.

The roving defender almost scored with a header against Croatia and then nutted a cross against the bar against Ghana, the closest England came to breaking the deadlock.

And, of course, Manchester City fans won't forget March's Carabao Cup final when O'Reilly's two headers secured a 2-0 win for Pep Guardiola's men over Arsenal.

Oh, and if you like a good omen, O'Reilly's now former ex-teammate, John Stones, twice netted with headers in England's 6-1 victory over Panama in Russia.

Panama v England: Alan Shearer's prediction

Alan Shearer: England players have points to prove and Panama's approach to playing them will probably be very similar to Ghana's. My guess is Tuchel will change three or four from the 11 who started on Tuesday.  

It wouldn't surprise me if he brought Stones back in for Konsa so he and Guehi can play together. He could also bring back O'Reilly at left-back and change the two wingers from Gordon and Madueke to Saka and Rashford.

They've got to play with more tempo and pace to their game. I don't care who you're playing against, if they get that many men behind the ball and they're organised, it's tough to break down. But you have to be brave, put balls into the box and take your opportunities...

We'll see a more energetic performance from England on Saturday and I think we'll beat Panama 2-0 or 3-0. I predict Harry Kane will get back on the scoresheet because he'll be desperate to play after that miss. He'll want to get out there. It's so unlike him to miss a good chance, and he'll want to put it right, so don't be surprised if he notches a couple against Panama.

Panama v England: Another shout for an O'Reilly header

Jimmy The Punt: Nico O'Reilly's had four shots this summer, all headers and three from corners. That's a headed shots per 90 of 3.16. 

His only one to hit the target came against Croatia, and another one crashed off the crossbar against Ghana. 

England's left back is clearly a set piece threat, but the scary part is he basically plays as a midfielder in possession meaning he can frequently be seen loitering in the box.

And with Reece James' crossing from the right hand ride, he's just as much of a threat from open play. 

At an industry best price of 11/43.75, backing him to have a headed shot on target it the bet here. 

Panama v England: Get on Guehi fouls

Lewis Jones: Marc Guehi is far more comfortable carrying the ball into traffic than he was 12 months ago. He invites challenges, shields possession well and has become increasingly clever at using defenders' momentum against them.

We saw that first hand against Ghana. Interestingly, the 3+ fouls won line was available at 5/1 pre-match with Betfair, which was very generous given the direction of travel in his numbers.

This isn't a case of chasing a one-off performance. The trend has been building for months and, if the prices remain rooted in older data, there could be value in backing Guehi to continue drawing contact at a healthy rate for England across this tournament.

Panama v England: Back Kane to score at least two

Opta: Panama and England's only previous encounter was in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup - England won 6-1, their largest World Cup victory to date. Panama have lost all five of their FIFA World Cup matches.

Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in England's only previous encounter with Panama at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, including two goals from the penalty spot. It was England's third hat-trick at the tournament, after Geoff Hurst (v West Germany in the 1966 final) and Gary Lineker (v Poland in 1986).

Panama v England: Back Rice to assist

Max Liu: Declan Rice has created 10 chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, the most of any player across the first two matchdays. This is only the third instance on record (from 1966) of an England player creating 10+ chances in a single group stage at the finals, with David Beckham responsible for both of the first two (11 in 2002, 16 in 2006).

Other day 17 tips and predictions

22:00 - Croatia v Ghana: Back fouls focus 9/1 Bet Builder

Paul Higham: The top two in Group K square off as Colombia face Portugal in Miami. The South Americans top the group with six points, A Selecao in second with four so a win for Roberto Martinez's side would see them leapfrog Los Cafeteros into top spot. 

Finishing first could be crucial because as it stands, first place will play Croatia in the round of 32, Switzerland or Algeria in the round of 16 and probably Argentina in the quarters. 

Finishing second currently pits you against Ghana in the next round and then Spain or Austria in the round of 16. 

So, it's all to play for here, a dynamic which could lead to goals, and at 1/12.00 backing both teams to score appeals. 

00:30 - Colombia v Portugal: Go for goals

Jimmy The Punt: The top two in Group K square off as Colombia face Portugal in Miami. The South Americans top the group with six points, A Selecao in second with four so a win for Roberto Martinez's side would see them leapfrog Los Cafeteros into top spot. 

Finishing first could be crucial because as it stands, first place will play Croatia in the round of 32, Switzerland or Algeria in the round of 16 and probably Argentina in the quarters. 

Finishing second currently pits you against Ghana in the next round and then Spain or Austria in the round of 16. So, it's all to play for here, a dynamic which could lead to goals, and at 1/1 backing both teams to score appeals. 

Notable winners on Betting.Betfair so far at the 2026 World Cup...

- Mark Stinchcombe's stunning 38/139.00 Bet Builder in South Korea v Czechia
- Paul Higham's 9/25.50 Bet Builder in Mexico's MD1 defeat of South Africa
- Paul also tipped 13/53.60 (Canada v Bosnia) & 15/82.88 (Brazil v Morocco) draws
- A 6/17.00 winning ACCA for Mark on Sunday at the World Cup
- Andy Robson's 9/110.00 five-leg ACCA as Germany wallop Curacao
- A 13/53.60 winner for Paul as France beat Senegal with both teams scoring
- Paul's at it again, an 11/43.75 winning Best Bet in Switzerland v Bosnia
- An 11/26.50 winner for Jimmy The Punt as Jonathan David scores 2+ goals
- Paul's 2/13.00 headline tip in Germany v Ivory Coast was a winner
- Jack Critchley delivered a 5/16.00 goalscorer treble on day 13

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