England star major doubt for Panama clash as Thomas Tuchel's leaked XI emerges with three changes expected

A key England player's participation in the Three Lions' upcoming World Cup Group L clash against Panama is in major doubt as Thomas Tuchel eyes three changes from the draw with Ghana.

England sit top of Group L after two matches, although their qualification for the round of 32 has not yet been confirmed.

However, the Three Lions' place in the knockout stages will be confirmed tonight (June 26) if two of the third-placed teams from the three groups in action finish on three points or fewer. Tuchel's side have four points after their 4-2 win over Croatia and a goalless draw with Ghana.

A draw between Uruguay and Spain would also take England through to the knockout stages before they take on Panama on June 27.

Despite it looking likely that England will reach the round of 32, there are concerns over a key player's fitness heading into the Panama clash.

Chelsea right-back Reece James started England's previous two matches but is a major doubt for the next game, with talkSPORT reporting that Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah, who has just three England caps, is set to replace him on the right side of defence.

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Meanwhile, Nico O'Reilly could replace Djed Spence at left-back, with the Manchester City man having been dropped for the Ghana match after starting against Croatia.

Right winger Bukayo Saka could make his first start of the tournament ahead of his Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke, despite the latter having started the previous two matches.

Despite calls from some for Marcus Rashford to start in place of Anthony Gordon on the left flank, it appears the Barcelona winger is set to retain his place.

Declan Rice’s fitness also remains a concern after he missed Thursday’s training session, although he may still start.

Speaking after England's drab draw with Ghana, Tuchel suggested he would make moderate "changes" to his starting XI for the Panama clash.

"I was not even sure whether to do the full rotation [if England had beaten Ghana]. Maybe we would have," he said.

"But I am not shy to do some rotation now.

"Some players should be on the pitch, but maybe it will be more moderate. It's not always fair if you just rotate your players in and say, 'OK, let's perform.' Let's see.

"I liked, for example, the centre-backs today. They were good together. I liked Elliot Anderson. He took a step forward and put in a good performance, maybe a bit better than against Croatia."

On Saka's fitness, the England boss added: "He seems to be more and more ready and will hopefully push, and then we will see what is coming. He's getting there, and there are more and more training sessions, so he needs to have more sessions now. Two sessions to be ready for Panama.

"We need it from everyone. It's not like Bukayo comes back and everything is solved, and I don't want to put this on his back. He is a top player. That's why he is with us. We need him desperately, like every other player, in top shape and pushing."

Predicted England vs Panama XI

Credit:Lineupbuilder.com