Former England coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has urged Thomas Tuchel to drop Anthony Gordon and start Morgan Rogers on the left wing for England's final World Cup group match against Panama on Saturday. The Three Lions have already secured their spot in the knockout stages with four points from two games, but need a win to guarantee top spot in Group B.
Tuchel expected to make changes
England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to rotate his squad for the Panama clash, with key players like Reece James and Declan Rice potentially being rested to manage their minutes over the tournament. The goalless draw against Ghana highlighted issues in attack, with wingers Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke failing to make an impact. Gordon also had a quiet performance in the opening win over Croatia, leading to calls for him to be dropped.
Marcus Rashford is the favourite to replace Gordon, but Hasselbaink, who served as a coach under Gareth Southgate, believes Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers deserves the nod. Rogers was primarily called up as competition for Jude Bellingham in the number 10 role, but Hasselbaink sees him as a viable option on the left flank.
Hasselbaink's proposed lineup
Speaking on talkSPORT, Hasselbaink named his starting XI for the Panama game: 'Pickford, O'Reilly, I'm going to give Reece James a rest because I want him to be ready for the next match. Who am I playing at right-back? Spence. Guehi and Ezri Konsa. I'll need to give Saka some minutes. I would play Rogers on the left. I would play Bellingham, rest Declan, I'm looking after Declan. Anderson and Kobbie. I'm not dropping Harry.'
Former England striker Darren Bent agreed with Hasselbaink's back four but opted for a different midfield and attack: 'Pickford, Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly, Anderson, Bellingham, Rogers, left Rashford, right Saka, Kane down the middle.'
Saka nearing full fitness
Tuchel has indicated that Bukayo Saka is likely to make his first start of the tournament against Panama. The Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles issue but came off the bench in the first two matches. 'He seems to be more and more ready, and will hopefully push, and then we will see what is coming,' Tuchel said after the Ghana draw. 'He's getting there, he has more and more training sessions, so he needs to have more sessions now, two sessions, to be ready for Panama. But Noni tried everything and he did well as well, so it's not only about Bukayo but it's good when he's back. Today he got some minutes under his belt. Hopefully there is no reaction and he is good to go.'
England's final group game against Panama kicks off at 4pm BST on Saturday. A win would secure top spot and a potentially easier path in the knockout stages.
