SEEKING SURETY FOR ROUND OF 16
With Belgium waiting for England in their last group game, the Three Lions will be eager to secure three points against Panama today. HT looks at the talking points from England’s camp:
More support needed
Harry Kane may have dragged England over the line against Tunisia, but the lack of a support cast, in terms of goal scoring, could cost them deeper into the tournament.
Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, who both scored more than 10 goals each for their clubs, in 2017/18 season, have contributed only three goals in 52 caps between them for national team.
Sloppy defence
England conceded a rather soft and careless penalty allowing Tunisia to equalise. This added to the pressure and almost cost them full points. This could be a big issue against stronger teams. Playing just three men in defence, of which Walker is a natural attacking wing-back, led to open spaces for the opponents on several occasions.
Extra threat
Marcus Rashford is expected to partner Kane upfront and should provide that extra edge in attack. The Manchester United youngster, who came off the bench against Tunisia, has three goals in 20 games for England. Rashford had also created 25 goal-scoring chances in the European World Cup qualifiers, more than any other England player. He needs to do the same in Russia.
Dull midfield
England’s major problem is the lack of creativity and flair in the middle of the park. Dele Alli is undoubtedly England’s best answer to the problem but he is struggling for fitness..
He provided 10 assists for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League in 2017-18 and will have to try and carry forward the same for England.