Panama’s tactical approach
Panama, despite their results in the World Cup, have shown dynamic tactical flexibility in their initial matches. They have adopted various formations depending on the game’s phase. When opponents initiate goal-kicks, Panama employs an aggressive 4-4-2 press. If the opposition maintains possession higher up the pitch, this high press transitions into a mid-block, shifting their formation from a 4-4-2 to a 5-3-2, focusing on making it difficult for teams to play through them.
As games progress, particularly against Croatia, Panama has shown a tendency to adopt a more defensive posture. Their 5-3-2 formation can evolve into a 5-4-1, which they have used with a deeper defensive line for significant portions of their matches. This adaptability means England could face different defensive setups throughout their encounter.
Exploiting defensive gaps
England, with their preference for playing against teams that push up, may find opportunities if Panama chooses to press high. In their match against Ghana, Panama conceded in the 93rd minute after losing the ball in the final third and pressing high. Ghana capitalised on the space created by quickly playing into their forwards.
Against Croatia, England‘s game model focused on drawing opponents out of their defensive shape. When Croatia pressed England‘s defenders or deep midfielders, space would open between their attacking and defending units, allowing England to find their forwards quickly against fewer defenders. This strategy could be effective against Panama, especially if they adopt a higher defensive line.
Panama‘s defensive style is considered an ‘in-between’ version of Ghana and Croatia. If they play with four midfielders in a 5-4-1 shape, they may struggle to cover the width of the pitch as effectively as Ghana did with five midfielders in a 4-5-1. This could allow England‘s defenders to find full-backs or wide midfielders by moving the ball quickly from one side to the other, potentially creating chances by playing around Panama.
Croatia‘s only goal against Panama came from exploiting this very aspect, as Panama prioritised protecting the centre of the pitch. England has also aimed to keep their wingers high and wide in this tournament. Doing so against Panama‘s back five could draw out their wing-backs, similar to how Croatia created their goal.
The gap that can emerge between a centre-back and a wing-back when a winger pulls wide is another area England might look to exploit. It is plausible for England to position a third player to run into this space, creating an overload.
Additionally, Panama‘s defensive line, even in their 5-4-1 formation, appears higher than Ghana‘s. This could present opportunities for England to play balls over the top. If Harry Kane is allowed to drop deep and deliver accurate passes into the space behind Panama‘s slightly higher line, it could be a strategic advantage.
Challenges and potential changes for England
The draw against Ghana has complicated England‘s path, meaning they cannot afford to ease off against Panama. The team faces a demanding schedule, with a potential run of four matches in 13 days. Some changes to the squad are anticipated, partly due to injuries and disciplinary concerns.
Declan Rice is one booking away from a suspension and was seen with strapping on his left calf after the Ghana match. The absence of Reece James at right-back for at least two games due to a hamstring injury is a significant setback, adding to the challenges against defensively organised teams. The responsibility for supporting the wingers now falls on Nico O’Reilly. Alternatives at right-back include Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and Djed Spence, none of whom are naturally attacking players.
The match against Panama is expected to be another test of patience for England, similar to the slog against Ghana‘s compact 4-5-1 formation. Panama, despite their 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia, have shown improvement and can be awkward opponents. Their coach, Thomas Christiansen, will likely set up his side with a back five that could expand to a back six or seven at times.
England has historically struggled to deliver their most convincing performances against deep defences. Against Ghana, Harry Kane was limited to 19 touches and exchanged only three passes with Jude Bellingham, despite England having 78.8% possession. The team did not register a shot on target until the second half of that match.
Addressing these defensive challenges requires a very active and aggressive approach, but not a naive one. The team needs to create overloads in key areas and accelerate play quickly. However, a lack of overloads was noted against Ghana, and similar issues are expected against Panama. This implies a need for more risk in possession and avoiding traps that allow Panama to break up play.
To improve offensive output, the centre-backs may need to be bolder in stepping out. Kobbie Mainoo‘s ability in tight midfield areas could be beneficial if he features. Wingers are encouraged to run at their full-backs, with Bukayo Saka potentially replacing Noni Madueke on the right, and Marcus Rashford being considered for Anthony Gordon on the left. Alternatives like Eberechi Eze or Morgan Rogers could also be used to drift inside and link play. The connections on the left side of the pitch have been noted as needing improvement.
Panama’s attacking threat
When in possession, Panama demonstrates strong technical quality, allowing them to play out of immediate pressure from opponents. Midfielder Cristian Martinez is a notable player in this regard. However, Panama‘s fast attacks generally conclude with crosses rather than central through-balls.
England‘s counter-pressing has been a significant strength in this World Cup, with players working hard to win the ball back immediately after losing it. If Panama can execute short and quick combinations before speeding up play, either down the same wing or with a switch to the far-side winger, they could pose a threat. Despite creating chances, Panama has lacked the final action to consistently convert these opportunities into goals. Furthermore, Panama is unable to qualify for the next round, regardless of the outcome against England.
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Source: bbc.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter