England starting XI vs Panama revealed as Thomas Tuchel makes five changes with Declan Rice ‘rested’ | OneFootball

A new report has revealed England’s starting XI for their final World Cup group game against Panama, with Thomas Tuchel making five changes.

Tuchel only made two changes to his starting XI for England’s second group game against Ghana, but he has been forced to make more switches for Saturday’s match against Panama.

England need to match or better Ghana’s result against Croatia to finish top of Group L, but they are not at full strength for the match against Panama.

This is partly due to injury, with reports in recent days confirming that Reece James, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are among those carrying knocks.

James’ issue is understood to be most serious, with it suggested that he could be out of England’s match in the round of 32.

So, he is out of the starting XI to face Panama, while BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has reported that Rice has been ‘rested’.

Thomas Tuchel makes five changes for Panama

According to Mokbel, England have made five changes, with Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Jarell Quansah, Nico O’Reilly and Bukayo Saka coming in.

The report explains:

Respected reporter David Ornstein has also confirmed some of these changes.

Ornstein said on X: ;Morgan Rogers & Jarell Quansah expected to start for #England in final #2026FIFAWorldCup group game v #Panama. Aston Villa attacker returns to line-up after playing key role in qualifying. Bayer Leverkusen defender deputises at right-back.’

He added: ‘Marcus Rashford makes 1st start at #2026FIFAWorldCup in #England vs #Panama. Elliot Anderson retains place despite glute tightness; 23yo Nottingham Forest midfielder now expected to do medical once back in Kansas City before Man City move.’

Before this news surfaced, Alan Shearer explained why he thinks Tuchel needs to make four changes for tonight’s match.

“I think Tuchel will look back and question everything that went on in that second game,” Shearer told Betfair.

“But the one surprise I thought was in the left-back situation because for as much praise as he got for the changes and substitutions he made in the Croatia game and was really positive, I thought there was a slightly negative effect in trying to counter-attack what they did rather than concentrating on what England can do and that’s what I think he’ll look back and reflect on.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he brought Stones back in for Konsa so he and Guehi can have a chance of playing together. It wouldn’t surprise me if he brought Nico O’Reilly back in at left-back and changed the two wingers from Gordon and Madueke to Saka and Rashford. That would be a guess of mine of what he might do.

“They’ve got to play with more tempo and pace to their game. When you’ve got that low block and I don’t care who you’re playing against, if they get that many men behind the ball and they’re really well organised it’s tough to break down.

“But you have to be brave, and you have to put balls into the box when you get the opportunity you have to take it, and I thought too many times they were really poor in that situation.”