Saka, Rashford start as Rice rested for England at World Cup

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An England supporter reacts prior to the 2026 World Cup Group L football match between Panama and England at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on June 27, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

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Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford will start for England for the first time at this World Cup, while Declan Rice drops out as one of five changes for the Group L finale against Panama on Saturday.

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Saka and Rashford, who both made substitute appearances in the first two games, were recalled by coach Thomas Tuchel as England seek to clinch top spot in the group.

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Nico O’Reilly returns at left-back while Morgan Rogers and Jarell Quansah make their first starts of the tournament. Quansah comes in for the injured Reece James on the right side of England’s defence.

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Rice, who had strapping on his left calf after the 0-0 draw with Ghana, would miss the last-32 tie if he booked up a booking against Panama.

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Anthony Gordon, Djed Spence and Noni Madueke are the other players to make way.

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England are guaranteed a spot in the knockout phase but need to match Ghana’s result against Croatia to be assured of finishing in first place.

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The group winners head to Atlanta to play a third-place finisher on July 1.

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