2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: England vs. Panama Odds

England would have been coming into this encounter with much more at stake if it wasn’t for captain Harry Kane’s stoppage-time winner against Tunisia, but they very well may need three points here to secure a spot in the knockout round. Gareth Southgate is expected to make at least a couple changes to his lineup before England take the pitch as solid favourites against Panama on Sunday.

England vs. Panama Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup Betting Odds: England -539

Date: June 24, 9:00 AM ET

Some pundits pointed to England’s Harry Kane as a possible Golden Boot bet before the tournament began and he showed why with his brace against Tunisia. He’s set at -196 to score again on Sunday and that might be a bargain with the way he’s taking his chances.

The majority of early bettors are backing under 2.5 (-116) goals in this one after seeing Panama hold Belgium off the scoreboard for the first half. Another first half draw is paying out at +142 in Sunday’s matchup.

England

On the plus side, England showed it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day with their young legs and revamped lineup. They pushed forward, created chances and probably should have scored a handful of goals in the first half of their World Cup opener. However, they didn’t and ended up scratching and clawing for the three points in the end while showing some vulnerability and inexperience at the back. Reports indicate Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marcus Rashford may step into the starting 11 in place of Raheem Sterling and Dele Alli (injured). Don’t be surprised to see a couple of changes to the full backs either as Gary Cahill could come in to shore up the middle, while Danny Rose might replace Ashley Young on the left side.

Panama

You have to hand it to Panama – they aren’t backing down to anyone. Midfielder Jose Luis Rodriguez already went on record to say that they’ve already been through their toughest test (against Belgium), while centre-half Roman Torres has doubled down on his team’s physical style of play. Really, that’s what Panama has to do against the likes of Belgium and England. They do have a lot of experience with most of their regulars over 30 years of age. That probably helps them early in this pressure-packed match, but maybe catches up to them if they need an extra push late in the match.

England vs. Panama Prediction

England 2, Panama 1 (+900)

You get the feeling that England isn’t going to do much easily in this tournament. They showed glimpses of great quality in the opener and should find their chances in this match too. England supporters should still be concerned about a lack of poise at the back. That could have them picking at least one ball out of their net on Sunday.