Topping the group would theoretically map out a kinder route through the knockouts if they can break down another stubborn low block against an already-eliminated Panama in New Jersey on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side suffered a classic case of tournament second-game syndrome against Ghana, breaking an unwanted World Cup record by holding 78.8% possession without finding the back of the net.
Ezri Konsa was incredibly fortunate not to concede a second-half penalty in the frustrating 0-0 draw, but the explosive 4-2 opening win over Croatia means England are already guaranteed qualification, while a win seals first place - provided Ghana don't pull off an unlikely goal-swing against the Croatians.
For Panama, the tournament is already over. Thomas Christiansen’s men have fought hard but ultimately lacked any real elite quality up front, slipping to successive 1-0 defeats against both Ghana and Croatia
The Canal Men are playing purely for pride as they hunt for their first-ever World Cup point, but memories of their only other finals appearance in 2018, where Gareth Southgate's England hammered them 6-1, will loom large at MetLife Stadium.
Team news and lineups
England
Thomas Tuchel has some serious selection dilemmas with a potential five games still to play after this one.
Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both been nursing knocks, making this the perfect opportunity to protect them. Rice is also a booking away from a suspension, meaning Kobbie Mainoo is primed to take his place in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.
Further back, Reece James complained of hamstring tightness after the Ghana draw and won't be risked. Djed Spence is set to switch to right-back, opening the door for Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly to return to the starting XI at left-back.
Up front, Anthony Gordon’s quiet start to the finals means Marcus Rashford is highly tipped to get his first start of the tournament on the left wing, while Harry Kane continues to lead the line.
- England predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Mainoo, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Panama
The Canal Men have been severely hamstrung in North America by an adductor injury to star midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla. He suffered a setback just before the Croatia game, and with nothing but pride on the line, Christiansen is highly unlikely to risk him here.
Captain and all-time appearance maker Aníbal Godoy has only managed a single minute of action so far due to his own fitness issues, though he may play a slightly larger role off the bench.
Expect Panama to set up in a deeply defensive 5-4-1 shape, marshalled by former Marseille right-back Amir Murillo, as they try to frustrate England for as long as possible.
- Panama predicted lineup (5-4-1): Mosquera; Murillo, Cordoba, Ramos, Andrade, Blackman; Martinez, Barcenas, Harvey, Rodriguez; Fajardo
Panama vs England preview
This fixture will play out as an immediate test of whether England have learned their lessons from Tuesday's sterile dominance in Boston.
Panama will look to copy Ghana's blueprint verbatim, parking a five-man defensive screen to choke the space around Jude Bellingham and deny space for Harry Kane to drop deep.
The good news for England is that Panama simply don't possess the transitional pace or counter-attacking bite to seriously worry Jordan Pickford.
Christiansen’s side have drawn blanks in both tournament fixtures so far, and they will struggle to get out of their own half once the Three Lions establish their territorial press.
While a repeat of the 6-1 thrasher from Nizhny Novgorod looks unlikely given England's recent struggles in front of goal, Tuchel’s defensive record remains exceptional.
The clean sheet against Ghana was England's 13th in 16 matches under the German manager. Once England get the breakthrough, the game should comfortably lose its edge.
Keep an eye on Nico O’Reilly if he returns to the side. The young full-back has been one of England's biggest aerial threats in the box, having a header saved against Croatia and rattling the crossbar against Ghana after coming off the bench. Against a packed defence, his late runs into the penalty area will be a vital weapon.
Panama vs England picks and predictions
- Best value bet: England -2.5 Asian handicap at 6/5 (2.20) tipped by MLS Value
- Correct Score punt: England to win 3-1 at 11/1 (12.00) tipped by Football Value Best