England – Panama Prediction & Picks (24.06.2018)

England and Panama measure forces, in a match for this phase of the World Cup (Group Stage). This will be the first direct confrontation between these two teams, as they have never faced each other before.

England:

The team comes to this second day of Group G after a victory in its opening in this group stage, against Tunisia, by (1-2). In the last 10 matches England have 7 wins and 3 draws. Their attack has scored regularly, since they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches. In the last 20 matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have suffered 6 of their 12 goals between minutes (76′-90 ‘).

England started in the best form this 2018 World Cup, beating Tunisia 1-2: the two goals were scored by Harry Kane. In case of victory over Panama, the English guarantee access to the next phase of the competition. Without great surprises it will be expected that coach Gareth Southgate will re-align the team in 3-5-2, which in practice is a 3-4-3, privileging ball possession and organized attacks: Sterling offers great mobility offensive to your team. Harry Kane is one of the great highlights of the selection of the three lions, being this player very powerful and strong in the completion. Despite the victory in the first day, we note that the English presented several defensive failures. For this game the coach can count on all his players.

Panama:

The team disputes its second match in Group G, having lost by (3-0) in its first match in this group stage, against Belgium. In the last 10 games Panama has 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses. The team allowed goals to the opponent in 7 of the last 10 matches, so there are defensive processes that need improvement. In their matches there is a tendency for few goals, as 16 of the last 32 matches have ended with Under 1,5 goals and 20 out of 32 ended with Under 2,5 goals. In 15 games, they only got 1 comeback in the 9 matches in which they suffered the first goal.

Panama is undoubtedly one of the weakest selections of this 2018 World Cup and on the first day it faced the powerful selection of Belgium, so naturally it was defeated by 3-0. One of the great objectives of the Panamanian team will be to conquer a victory in the last day of the group stage, against Tunisia. In this game against England, one of the great favorites to beat this group, it is expected that coach Hernán Gómez plays in the usual 4-3-3, privileging the defensive organization and counterattacks. In addition, this selection will use the flanks to create danger: José Luis Rodríguez is a very fast and eximio player in the transport of the ball. It is inevitable to highlight the experienced Blas Pérez, one of the great dangers at the time of finalizing. Without great absences, the coach must act in maximum strength.