Group L enters its final act with everything still on the line — first place within reach, second place wide open and knockout qualification still dangling for Ghana and Croatia as England look to avoid any late complications against already eliminated Panama.
Adrian sets the tone bluntly: England, Ghana and Croatia still all have a shot at topping the group and securing a more favourable Round of 32 tie in Atlanta against the third-placed side from Groups E, H, I, J or K.
England face Panama knowing anything less than victory would be a shock, while Ghana’s meeting with Croatia doubles as a direct fight for control of the group.
From Adrian’s perspective, England’s task is straightforward but not automatic. He expects Jude Bellingham to dictate the attacking rhythm between the lines, with Harry Kane providing the decisive edge in the box.
Panama, already eliminated and lacking defensive structure throughout the tournament, are likely to sit deep and try to frustrate early, but Adrian believes England’s midfield control will eventually stretch them beyond breaking point.
The second fixture carries more tension as Adrian sees Ghana leaning on the influence of Mohammed Kudus in transition and the stabilising presence of Thomas Partey in midfield, while Croatia counter with the experience of Luka Modrić and the movement of Andrej Kramarić. In his view, it is a match where moments will matter more than dominance, with both sides capable of shaping the final table.
Rizal agrees that the stakes define the night, but frames it as a connected storyline across both matches rather than two isolated games. England sit top on four points, Ghana are level but behind on goal difference, and Croatia remain within striking distance after reviving their campaign against Panama. Although Panama is already out but everything else is still in flux.
Rizal is more cautious about overestimating England’s recent criticism, especially after their draw with Ghana, which he believes was shaped more by Ghana’s defensive discipline than England’s inefficiency.
He expects Bellingham to remain the key creative force, with Kane still the primary finisher, while also pointing to possible tactical tweaks such as Kobbie Mainoo bringing quicker progression or Marcus Rashford stretching Panama’s back line more directly.
Against Panama, Rizal is clear: The structure is unlikely to hold for 90 minutes. With Adalberto Carrasquilla absent, Panama lacks midfield progression, leaving José Fajardo isolated and forcing predictable long-ball patterns that should suit England’s defence. For him, an early goal is the turning point — break Panama’s block and England should control the game comfortably.
The real tension, however, sits in Croatia vs Ghana — a fixture Rizal describes as “closer to a knockout match than a group game”. Ghana’s defensive organisation, led by Partey and backed by a compact structure, has already frustrated England, but their lack of attacking threat remains a concern if Croatia strike first.
Croatia, by contrast, arrive with renewed balance. Rizal highlights Modrić as the tempo controller and Martin Baturina as the wildcard capable of breaking Ghana’s structure through direct dribbling. The introduction of Ante Budimir has also given them a focal point, while Ivan Perišić adds another layer of attacking threat.
For Rizal, the midfield duel between Modrić and Partey is the defining battle. If Ghana can disrupt Croatia’s rhythm, they stay in control of qualification. If not, Croatia’s tournament experience and attacking variety could eventually tell.
Adrian’s final call is simple: England get the job done, Ghana-Croatia decides everything else. Rizal too agrees on the outcome, but not the ease.
In terms of scoreline predictions, both Adrian and Rizal agree that England will secure a comfortable victory, with each tipping them to score three goals. For the other fixture, Adrian anticipates a draw between Ghana and Croatia, while Rizal differs in his view, backing Croatia to edge the contest 2-1.
