England have already secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup as one of the eight best third-place teams. However, tonight's match against Panama offers Thomas Tuchel's side the chance to finish as group winners.
How England can top Group L
A victory over Panama will almost certainly see England finish first in the group. The only scenario where England wins but does not top the group is if Ghana beats Croatia and overtakes England on goal difference. Currently, England holds a superior goal difference by one.
A draw would also secure top spot, unless there is a winner in the Ghana vs Croatia match. If England loses to Panama, they will finish second if Ghana beats Croatia or if the match ends in a draw. If Croatia wins and England loses, England will still qualify second provided their goal difference remains better than Ghana's, which is currently one goal better.
Schedule and rest opportunities
Had England beaten Ghana on Tuesday, they would have secured the group with a game to spare, allowing Tuchel to rest players against Panama. This would have been particularly beneficial given England's late start in Group L, which means a condensed schedule: six games in 23 days if they reach the final on July 19.
New tiebreaker rule
For the first time since 1970, goal difference is no longer the first tiebreaker for teams level on points. Instead, head-to-head results are used. This is why England will finish ahead of Croatia if both end on four points, as England beat Croatia 1-0 in their opening match.
Potential Round of 32 opponents
If England wins the group, they enter the bottom half of the draw and will face a third-placed side from Groups E, I, J, or K. Likely opponents include Ecuador, Senegal, Austria, Algeria, DR Congo, or Uzbekistan, with a small chance of Portugal. That match would be in Atlanta on July 1 at 5pm.
If England finishes second, they play the runner-up of Group K, almost certainly Portugal or Colombia, in Toronto on July 2 at 12am. Finishing third would mean facing the winner of Group K in Kansas City on July 4 at 2.30am.
