England live player ratings vs. Panama: Grading World Cup Group L performances as Morgan Rogers, Jarell Quansah start

England headed into their final Group L game against Panama in New Jersey knowing a win would be enough for top spot.

After a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia in their first match, Thomas Tuchel's side laboured to a 0-0 draw against Ghana.

They struggled again during a goalless first half versus an already-eliminated opponent, while Croatia taking the lead against Ghana put them top of the group as it stands

Here is how we graded the Three Lions' efforts during the opening 45 minutes.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

England vs. Panama score

Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
Referee: Abdulrahman Al Jassim (QAT)

Starting lineups:

England (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. J. Pickford (GK) — 26. J. Quansah, 6. M. Guehi, 2. E. Konsa, 3. N. O'Reilly — 10. J. Bellingham, 8. E. Anderson — 7. B. Saka, 17. M. Rogers, 11. M. Rashford — 9. H. Kane.

Panama (5-4-1, right to left): 22. O. Mosquera (GK) — 23. A. Murillo, 3. J. Cordoba, 4. F. Escobar, 16. A. Andrade, 26. J. Gutierrez — 6. C. Martinez, 14. C. Harvey, 11. E. Barcenas, 7. J. L. Rodriguez — 9. T. Rodriguez.

England player ratings vs. Panama: Halftime

Tuchel went with the now-customary 4-2-3-1 set-up, albeit without the injured Declan Rice or Reece James, or John Stones, who was seemingly rested.

Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers all came into the team, with Jarell Quansah deployed as something of a makeshift right-back in James' absence.

All ratings are on a 10-point scale

Starters

GK — Jordan Pickford: 5

For a veteran of five tournaments, he really should instil more calm than he does. A skittish punch from a catchable cross was Pickford's first involvement and he then shanked a routine long pass out of play. A sharp save to deny Jose Luis Rodriguez just after the hydration break showed his worth, though.

RB — Jarell Quansah: 4

A nervy, tentative display from a man who rarely plays at right-back. This is on Tuchel more than it's on the Bayer Leverkusen defender who, frankly, should not be in this position.

CB — Marc Guehi: 6

Provided cover for club teammate Nico O'Reilly to raid forward form left-back. Mopped up nicely when Rodriguez threatened early on. England's best passer out from the back, but clearly a low bar in that regard. 

CB — Ezri Konsa: 4

One pleasing, raking pass to Rashford caught the eye, but the Aston Villa man too often looked all at sea against Panama's counter-attacks.

LB — Nico O'Reilly: 5

Took up some really good positions in the Panama box raiding from left-back and pressed well. Whether England can afford such an attacking full-back when they look so vulnerable in transitions is a tactical conundrum Tuchel must solve as the tournament progresses.

CM — Elliot Anderson: 6

Carries a heavy burden as England's metronome with a defence behind him that can be so pedestrian in possession without Reece James or John Stones. Performed well enough in Declan Rice's absence, taking on set-piece duties.

CM — Jude Bellingham: 5

More involved playing deeper but faded as the half went on. England perhaps a little more exposed in transition with Bellingham, in Rice's position but the way he can carry the ball and link play is an obvious upside.

RW — Bukayo Saka: 4

Fit enough to start for the first time in the tournament but a laboured showing from the Arsenal favourite.

AM — Morgan Rogers: 4

Anonymous, barring one nice link with Bellingham, as Panama effectively blocked up central areas. 

LW — Marcus Rashford: 7

In for Anthony Gordon, Rashford was easily England's brightest player before the break. 

CF — Harry Kane: 4

Barely any involvement of note whatsoever. No service and no space to drop deep effectively as he likes.

England substitutes vs. Panama

N/A

England coach vs. Panama

Thomas Tuchel: 4

His team tried to play with more pace and intensity than they did against Ghana, but when England labour at this tournament, attention will always turn to some of the more talented players Tuchel left at home. It's impossible to imagine Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire and even Cole Palmer or Phil Foden not improving what's been served up so far.