World Cup 2018: 5 England players to watch out for against Panama

England Media Access - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
England Media Access - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

England have won only one World Cup in their football history, way back in 1966. They have had strong teams over the years but have never been able to get their hands on the trophy again. The golden generation of English football consisting of Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes, Terry, Ferdinand and Rooney too couldn't help England in lifting the trophy.

The current England team have many young talented players who have excelled at their respective clubs in England. They are adventurous, agile and have got the experience of Gary Cahill to guide them. Alli, Kane, Sterling, Lingard, Rashford, and Dier are among the best young players in Europe in their respective positions.

Gareth Southgate has built a promising team who are capable of destroying any team in the world when they are at their best. England will surely be the team to contend with at the 2018 World Cup.

England were lucky to snatch a victory against Tunisia in their first game while Panama were outplayed by Belgium. Panama will probably defend deep and hence England will be expected to have the majority of the possession in the game. It will be the responsibility of Kane, Sterling, and Alli to break open Panama's defence and score goals for England in their second match at the World Cup.

Let us look at the 5 English players to watch out for in the game against Panama.

#5 Ashley Young

Tunisia v England : Group G - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Ashley Young

Ashley Young is one of the most under-rated players in the world of football. He has successfully transformed from a traditional winger to a superb left wing-back. Young has the ability to deliver tempting in-swinging crosses into the opposition's penalty area and has excellent match awareness.

Having represented England in 35 matches and scored 7 goals for them, Young's excellent corner led to Harry Kane opening the scoring for England against Tunisia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He was one of the few English players who impressed in their first group match.

Young is an excellent player who fits perfectly in their 5-3-2 formation. His pace, crossing ability and defensive skills will be difficult for Panama to overcome.

#4 Kyle Walker

England v Costa Rica - International Friendly
England v Costa Rica - International Friendly

Kyle Walker has, over the years, developed into a good right-back for England. He is defensively efficient, likes to slide in and has got great speed. His attacking play, especially his crosses, have vastly improved.

He likes to join the attack and is equally good at tracking back, when the possession of the ball is lost. Having represented England in 35 matches, he is one of the experienced defenders in the current English side.

In their first game against Tunisia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, England had deployed Walker as a right centre-back in their 5-3-2 formation. He will be responsible for covering for the right wing-back Trippier during Panama's counter-attacks. His experience will guide the other English center-backs Stones and Maguire.

#3 Jesse Lingard

Tunisia v England - FIFA World Cup 2018 - Group G - Volgograd Arena
Tunisia v England - FIFA World Cup 2018 - Group G - Volgograd Arena

Jesse Lingard is one of the most promising youngsters to watch at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He has good feet, ability to accelerate very quickly and is an intelligent footballer. His abilities have greatly impressed England's manager Gareth Southgate and hence he was included in England's starting line-up against Tunisia ahead of his Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford.

Having represented England in 13 matches and scored 1 goal for them, Lingard had 2 golden opportunities to score in England's first game against Tunisia. His first effort at goal was blocked by a Tunisian defender and the other one hit the post, after getting past the Tunisian goal-keeper.

Lingard is a slippery customer and will be looking to score for England against Panama. The Panamanian defenders will have to be on high alert and watch out for him as Lingard has the ability to be at the right place at the right time.

#2 Raheem Sterling

FBL-WC-2018-ENG-TRAINING
FBL-WC-2018-ENG-TRAINING

Possessing tremendous amounts of pace, Sterling is an excellent dribbler, has the ability to run in behind the defence and is one of the young talents to watch for at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Sterling made his debut against Sweden and has gone on to represent England in 38 matches, scoring 2 goals for them.

He will be effective on the wing and create chances for Kane and Alli to score.

#1 Harry Kane

2018 FIFA World Cup: Team England's press conference ahead of Group Stage match against Tunisia
2018 FIFA World Cup: Team England's press conference ahead of Group Stage match against Tunisia

Harry Kane is one of the top strikers in Europe right now. Blessed with good height, he is physically strong, superb in the air and a threat to the opposition in their penalty area. Being a shrewd campaigner, Kane has decent pace and likes to run in behind defenders.

He has good match awareness, is a capable free kick taker and has the ability to shoot from long-range. Kane played a key role in Tottenham's Premier League campaign by scoring 30 goals for them. Having represented England in 24 matches and scored 13 goals, Harry Kane is the X-factor for England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Having scored 2 goals in the opening game against Tunisia, England will expect him to continue his goal-scoring form.

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