Saka and Rashford Lead England Into Panama Showdown as Tuchel Rings the Changes

This is squeaky bum time for Thomas Tuchel and his England side. After that baffling stumble against Ghana, the Three Lions need a statement performance against Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Friday. They have to finish the group phase on a high, not just for the points but for the morale. You cannot carry the stench of a faux pas into the knockout rounds. It lingers.Tuchel has clearly felt the need for a shake up. Five changes from the starting XI that bottled it against Ghana tell you everything about his mood. The big news, the one that has the pub debates raging, is the inclusion of Jarell Quansah. The young defender gets his first World Cup start for England, stepping in for the injured Reece James. It is a massive ask for a lad with this level of pressure, but Tuchel clearly sees something in his transitional play and composure. On the flanks, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford get the nod. That is a statement of intent. You do not start those two if you plan to park the bus. Tuchel is going for the throat.Panama will sit deep. That is their game. They will look to frustrate, to get bodies behind the ball, and then hit on the break. England's task is to break down that low block without leaving themselves exposed. The speed of Rashford and the dribbling of Saka should stretch Panama's shape, but the real test will be the midfield. Who controls the tempo Who finds the pockets of space That is where this match will be won or lost. Clinical finishing is a must because chances against a packed defence are precious.Personally, I think we are about to see a reaction. The players know the Ghana result was unacceptable. The fans know it. The manager knows it. If England come out flat again, the pressure will become unbearable. But if they click, if Quansah looks confident and the forwards find their rhythm, this could be a cathartic evening. It is time for the Three Lions to roar. Follow every kick on GoalZaza's live commentary.