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England will take on Panama in New Jersey on Saturday in their final FIFA World Cup group stage encounter, a game that, despite Panama already being knocked out, carries major implications for the Three Lions’ route through the knockout stages.

After a goalless stalemate against Ghana in Boston, Thomas Tuchel’s men still have work to do to cement their preferred path in the tournament. Here are the five main talking points before the match kicks off.

Although England are virtually assured of advancing, their finishing position in the group remains unsettled. Securing the top spot would see them meet a third-placed side in the round of 32 in Atlanta – a goal achievable if they can at least match Ghana’s result against Croatia.

However, failing to win could complicate their situation. A defeat, coupled with a victory for either Croatia or Ghana, would push England down to second place in the group standings. Tuchel will therefore be urging his team to deliver a convincing win to avoid any dependence on other results.

Injury concerns remain a worry for the squad, with Reece James and Declan Rice both undergoing evaluation after picking up knocks during the Ghana match. James appears to be the greater concern, struggling with a hamstring issue that makes his participation in New Jersey doubtful. Rice, who felt discomfort after the game, has reassured that he is “all good,” but Tuchel must decide whether to risk him, given the demanding schedule of the knockout rounds. Fortunately, the German coach has sufficient depth to make a cautious choice if needed.

Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson’s build-up to the fixture has been far from routine. The 23-year-old midfielder recently completed a medical ahead of a potential high-value transfer from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City. Attention will be on how this career-changing move affects his focus in the upcoming match. Anderson’s mental strength has been evident in recent weeks – notably when he played in a Europa League semi-final the day before his mother’s funeral – suggesting he will maintain his professionalism against Panama.

From a tactical perspective, England are likely to face a deep-lying defensive setup from Panama, similar to the one Ghana deployed in Boston. Tuchel’s main challenge will be improving his team’s ability to break through such compact defences. Panama, though already eliminated, will aim to frustrate England with disciplined defending, offering little in attack. Tuchel will demand faster ball circulation and sharper quality in the final third to unlock the opposition.

Although Panama have shown progress since their heavy 6-1 defeat to England in the 2018 World Cup, their physical style from that encounter – which resulted in two penalties – could reappear, with aggressive tackles aimed at disrupting England’s rhythm.

Tuchel also faces selection puzzles on the flanks. Bukayo Saka, still regaining full fitness and eager for a starting spot after an energetic cameo against Ghana, could replace his Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke, who endured a frustrating outing. Anthony Gordon’s two quiet games on the left wing have placed his spot under scrutiny. Marcus Rashford, who netted as a substitute against Croatia, is a strong candidate to start, though Tuchel might also consider Morgan Rogers or Eberechi Eze for the role on the left.