The World Cup 2026 fixture between Panama and England is currently under way at New York New Jersey Stadium. The match has seen various moments of play, with both teams attempting to assert dominance. England‘s assistant coach, Anthony Barry, offered insights at half-time, noting the team’s initial fast start and the challenges faced, including central ball losses that opened them up to counter-attacks from a dangerous opponent. He emphasised the need to manage risk and improve synchronicity, while also taking care of coverage against counter-attacks.
Early in the game, England pressed Panama, but the white shirts of Panama maintained their shape, making it difficult for England to find a way through. There were instances where Panama looked to advance, particularly down the flanks. For example, Barcenas moved down the right, leading to a free kick after Konsa was penalised for holding his shirt. Similarly, Gutierrez appeared to be in space down the left, though the whistle blew as he failed to keep the ball in play, highlighting some defensive disorganisation from England.
First Half Action
The first half saw several attacking plays from England. Rashford was active on the left, creating opportunities and winning a corner. A subsequent shot from Saka was easily handled by Mosquera, Panama‘s goalkeeper. Later, Rashford cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot towards the bottom left, which Mosquera did well to turn around the post. Anderson, filling a role typically occupied by Rice, delivered a ball that caused trouble for the goalkeeper.
Panama also showed their attacking intent. Martinez took the ball off Anderson and set up Jose Luis Rodriguez in the middle. Although Tomas Rodriguez was free on the edge of the box, Jose Luis Rodriguez lost possession. Murillo attempted a cross from the right, aiming for Tomas Rodriguez, but Pickford confidently punched the ball clear. Bellingham then tried an ambitious long-range shot that did not trouble Mosquera.
A notable moment occurred when Kane met a free kick in the Panama box, volleying it onto Harvey‘s arm. Despite Kane‘s claim for a penalty, replays suggested Harvey‘s arm was close to his body, resulting in only a corner. The match also featured a drinks break, during which England were metaphorically described as bringing vindaloo cooking sauce, while Panama were serving pork scratchings.
Following the restart after the drinks break, Jose Luis Rodriguez exploited space on Panama‘s left, created by Quansah, and drove a low shot towards the bottom left. Pickford made a strong save to push it around the post. Harvey also had a shot from a quick throw-in that went into the side netting, though Pickford had it covered. Saka made a determined run into the box from the right, but Andrade successfully ushered him out of play.
Developments and Half-Time
As the first half progressed, England‘s defence showed some vulnerabilities. In the 34th minute, Martinez delivered a pass to Murillo, who was free in the England box. Murillo miscontrolled the ball, and the offside flag was raised, indicating he had moved too early. This highlighted a moment of insecurity in England‘s defensive line. Guehi also floated a pass forward to O’Reilly inside the Panama box, whose back-flicked header was collected by Mosquera.
In the 38th minute, a cross into the Panama box from the right saw Rashford head narrowly over the bar. Earlier in the same move, Saka‘s penalty claim after allegedly being clipped by Gutierrez was waved away by the referee, as replays confirmed no contact. Towards the end of the half, Saka won England‘s fifth corner of the game, but his delivery did not beat the first man. Rashford later had a free-kick opportunity from 25 yards out, but his shot went just wide of the right-hand post.
In another Group L match, Croatia took a 1-0 lead against Ghana at half-time, thanks to a 31st-minute long-range goal from Petar Sucic. This result means that, as things stand, Croatia would win the group, and England would potentially face Portugal in the last 32. However, the second halves of these matches are still to be played, and other groups, including Portugal‘s, have not yet kicked off their final matches. The match between Panama and England continues to unfold.
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Source: theguardian.com
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”