Panama's key players to watch against England at World Cup

Panama's second World Cup appearance is in danger of ending without a point, just as their 2018 campaign did. They face England on Saturday needing a result to avoid a sixth consecutive World Cup defeat, which would equal the tournament's longest 100% losing streak.

With elimination already confirmed, Panama's experienced squad — the oldest and most capped at this World Cup — are playing for pride. BBC Sport highlighted five players who could trouble England, with midfield maestro Adalberto Carrasquilla and Norwich City defender Jose Cordoba leading the list.

Injury boost for Panama

Carrasquilla, the 2023 Gold Cup Golden Ball winner and Concacaf Men's Player of the Year in 2024, has missed the tournament so far with a thigh injury sustained in the Mexican league title decider. However, indications suggest he is fit enough to feature against England. The 27-year-old midfielder is known for his tempo-setting creativity and ability to escape tight spaces.

Carrasquilla's journey began at age 16 with Tauro, and he still cuts hair at his local barber when visiting family. He famously vowed to shave his head only if Panama win the World Cup — a promise that remains intact.

• Adalberto Carrasquilla: 73 caps, 3 goals; key playmaker and tempo setter.
• Jose Cordoba: 34 caps, 1 goal; left-footed centre-back with exceptional recovery pace.
• Cordoba scored his first international goal in March against South Africa.
• Norwich City defender averaged 6.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes in the Championship.
• Panama have lost all three group games in 2018, including 6-1 to England.

What's at stake

A defeat on Saturday would see Panama set an unwanted World Cup record. But with Carrasquilla potentially available and Cordoba anchoring the defence, they will hope to cause an upset against an in-form England side.