Who are the Panama players England need to look out for?

By Noel Sliney BBC Sport senior journalist Published 11 minutes ago Panama's second World Cup is in danger of finishing the same way as their first in 2018, when they lost all three group games - including 6-1 against England. A sixth-straight World Cup defeat on Saturday would equal the longest 100% losing record in the tournament's history. Panama's experienced squad - which is both the oldest and most-capped at this World Cup - are only playing for pride following their early elimination. BBC Sport has picked out five players who could be key if they are to cause a seismic upset against England. Scouting report on Panama - why England should be wary Published 4 hours ago Get in touch Send us your questions Contact form Contact form Adalberto 'Coco' Carrasquilla Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla won the Golden Ball award for best player at the 2023 Gold Cup Club: UNAM, Mexico Age: 27 Position: Midfielder Caps: 73 Goals: 3 Arguably Panama's most important player, Carrasquilla has yet to play a minute at this World Cup because of a thigh muscle injury sustained during the Mexican league title decider on 24 May. Indications are he is now fit enough to be involved in some capacity against England. The central midfielder is Panama's tempo setter and creative spark, working tirelessly in and out of possession and showcasing an impressive ability to wriggle out of tight spaces and drive the team upfield. In 2024, Carrasquilla became the first Panamanian to be named Concacaf men's player of the year. He trained as a hairdresser in his youth and was giving his team-mates a trim by the time he made his senior debut aged 16 for Panamanian side Tauro. Carrasquilla still occasionally cuts hair at the local barber when he is visiting family back home. The 27-year-old's own voluminous locks will remain intact, having pledged to shave his head if Panama won the World Cup. Jose Cordoba Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Jose Cordoba made his Panama debut in 2022 Club: Norwich City Age: 25 Position: Central defender Caps: 34 Goals: 1 The left-footed central defender has benefited hugely from a change of manager at Norwich City to become an important player for club and country. He marked his 30th cap for Panama with his first international goal in March, converting a rebound as they beat South Africa in Cape Town. Cordoba was an ever-present as Panama reached the Copa America quarter-finals in 2024 but his opportunities became limited as he initially struggled at Norwich. He moved to the club for £3m two years ago after four seasons in Bulgaria. Powerful and with exceptional recovery pace, Cordoba has flourished since Philippe Clement was appointed as Norwich head coach in November. Cordoba, known at Carrow Road as the Prince of Panama, averaged the most ball recoveries per 90 minutes (6.2) among centre-backs to play at least 750 minutes in the 2025-26 Championship season. Fifa World Cup 2026: Panama team guide -