England is in the position it expected to be in after its first match, but it wasn’t easy. Their blushes were spared thanks to a stoppage time goal from superstar Harry Kane. Still, three points are three points and considering what happened with Brazil, Argentina, and Germany, England will take victories any way they can get them. The Three Lions will look to pick up one more when they take on Panama in the first match on Sunday. A win for England would virtually guarantee them a spot in the Round of 16, while anything but a win for Panama would likely crush their scant hopes.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod at 8 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 24, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
England +1717
Panama -507
Draw +555
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Last Match
In their World Cup debut, Panama was able to keep Belgium at bay for a half, but eventually the defense relented. Shortly after the break, Dries Mertens found the back of the net for the heavy favorites and that forced Panama to take some chances to try to pull out a draw. Panama was unable to score, while Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku added two midway through the half for a 3-0 victory. The Canal Men picked up five yellow cards in the loss, and that should lead to a little more caution against England.
England may not have pulled ahead of Tunisia until late, but their 2-1 victory was deserved. The English were able to constantly harass Tunisia’s defense throughout the match and probably could have scored three or four if they didn’t miss some easy chances. Kane was the man of the match for heading in both of England’s goals. He was able to get into space a few times despite Tunisia’s efforts to shut him down, and he made them pay. Kane will look to do the same against Panama.
Player to Watch
Blas Perez is going to be all by himself up top for Panama. This team knows that it’s best chance to get a result is to put 10 men behind the ball, and that is going to leave Perez isolated for much of the match.
He and reserve Luis Tejada, the player that will likely come on for him when he tires, have had eerily similar careers. Both players are in their late 30s and have over 100 caps for the national team, and both players have exactly 43 goals for Panama. Perez and Tejada are both used to playing in this role, and each player is capable of creating a few half-chances despite being outnumbered.
Matchup to Watch
It’s going to be tough for Panama’s back line to stop England’s attack. Roman Torres and company were good in defense, but Belgium just kept coming at them in waves and eventually they were broken down.
Aside from Kane, England will look to two players to threaten Panama’s back line. Raheem Sterling did not have his best stuff earlier in the week, but he was able to expose Tunisia’s back line with his pace. Meanwhile, it was clear that Kieran Trippier was the second-best option for England in their first match. Trippier was fantastic in his role along the flank and is someone Panama must track.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This match won’t be pretty. Panama’s World Cup debut and their run to get here has been a great story, but they are simply outclassed in this group. England will ratchet up the pressure and find an early goal, and the lead will snowball from there.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: England 3, Panama 1
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