World Cup warm up: Sterling to keep place ahead of Rashford vs Panama

After intense speculation following a leaked team sheet from England training last week Raheem Sterling is now set to keep his place for the Three Lions’ crucial second match against Panama.

The picture of an apparent starting lineup that was taken and published in the English press had suggested that Marcus Rashford would replace the Manchester City man though Gareth Southgate is keeping the faith for now.

In fact, the coach is set to stick with ten of the XI that started against Tunisia last Monday, with one enforced change in the midfield.

As had been widely reported Ruben Loftus-Cheek will take the place of the injured Dele Alli in midfield, and his stature and power could be a blessing against an aggressive Panama side.

Full team news and odds in our match preview

The World Cup debutants proved a tough nut for Belgium to crack last time out, hanging on until half-time with the game goalless but did lose their heads a little after Dries Mertens’ spectacular opener early in the second half. Hernan Gomez’s side picked up five bookings either side of the interval and will look to break England’s rhythm as much as possible here.

The lineup from the international minnows may well be unchanged, with veteran striker Blas Perez isolated up front in a 4-5-1 formation.