ENGLAND have now QUALIFIED for the knockout stages of the World Cup, but their group stage campaign is not over yet.

The Three Lions endured a on Tuesday, meaning that they still have something to play for tonight against Panama.

England v Croatia: Group L - FIFA World Cup 2026England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening group game Credit: Getty

will be looking for redemption tonight after the England captain missed a golden chance to win the game against the Black Stars late in the second half.

However, right-back against Panama after picking up a hamstring injury – he is also likely to miss the Three Lions first knockout game.

Along with nursing hamstring and back issues, it leaves Thomas Tuchel with less options heading into a pivotal final group game.

Their result tonight will determine which path they face to the final, and has all the answers.

What do England need vs Panama to win Group L at World Cup 2026?

England have already qualified for the knockout stages, along with Ghana.

However, top spot is still up for grabs with the Three Lions and the Black Stars level at the top on four points after the first two games.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are ahead of them on goal difference, but will drop behind them if the African side better their result in the final round of Group L fixtures.

The job is simple for England: beat Panama and they will win Group L.

Saturday 27 June
Panama
Panama-flag
22:00
Group L
England-flag
England
Croatia
Croatia-flag
22:00
Group L
Ghana-flag
Ghana
Sunday 28 June
Colombia
Colombia-flag
00:30
Group K
Portugal-flag-1
Portugal
Congo DR
Congo-dr
00:30
Group K
Uzbekistan-flag
Uzbekistan
Saturday 27 June
Group A P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
3
0
0
6
9
2
3
1
1
1
-1
4
3
3
1
0
2
-1
3
4
3
0
1
2
-4
1
Group B P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
2
1
0
4
7
2
3
1
1
1
5
4
3
3
1
1
1
-1
4
4
3
0
1
2
-8
1
Group C P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
2
1
0
6
7
2
3
2
1
0
3
7
3
3
1
0
2
-3
3
4
3
0
0
3
-6
0
Group D P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
2
0
1
4
6
2
3
1
1
1
0
4
3
3
1
1
1
-2
4
4
3
1
0
2
-2
3
Group E P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
2
0
1
6
6
2
3
2
0
1
2
6
3
3
1
1
1
0
4
4
3
0
1
2
-8
1
Group F P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
2
1
0
6
7
2
3
1
2
0
4
5
3
3
1
1
1
0
4
4
3
0
0
3
-10
0
Group G P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
1
2
0
4
5
2
3
1
2
0
2
5
3
3
0
3
0
0
3
4
3
0
1
2
-6
1
Group H P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
2
1
0
5
7
2
3
0
3
0
0
3
3
3
0
2
1
-1
2
4
3
0
2
1
-4
2
Group I P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
3
0
0
8
9
2
3
2
0
1
1
6
3
3
1
0
2
2
3
4
3
0
0
3
-11
0
Group J P W D L GD PTS Form
1
2
2
0
0
5
6
2
2
1
0
1
0
3
3
2
1
0
1
-2
3
4
2
0
0
2
-3
0
Group K P W D L GD PTS Form
1
2
2
0
0
3
6
2
2
1
1
0
5
4
3
2
0
1
1
-1
1
4
2
0
0
2
-7
0
Group L P W D L GD PTS Form
1
2
1
1
0
2
4
2
2
1
1
0
1
4
3
2
1
0
1
-1
3
4
2
0
0
2
-2
0
3rd Place Ranking P W D L GD PTS Form
1
3
1
1
1
0
4
2
3
1
1
1
0
4
3
3
1
1
1
-1
4
4
3
1
1
1
-2
4
5
3
1
0
2
2
3
6
3
0
3
0
0
3

CLICK ON PIC FOR STAR’S PROFILE

What are the World Cup 2026 knockout round dates?

  • Round of 32: June 28-July 3
  • Round of 16 : July 4-7
  • Quarterfinals: July 9-11
  • Semifinals: July 14-15
  • Third-place game: July 18 (Miami Gardens, Florida)
  • Final: July 19 (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
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Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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