Thomas Tuchel and England are currently enduring a second successive 0-0 draw, entering the break against Panama.
The Three Lions have scarcely displayed the qualities required of World Cup champions since their opening victory vs Croatia.
After a thriller, high-octane second-half against the Luka Modric-led side, England haven’t scored in 135 minutes of play, so, how can they change that against Panama after the break?
Ian Wright reveals one England player he wants to see, as Three Lions deliver torrid performance vs Panama, 2026 World Cup
In the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia, who are currently up 1-0 vs Ghana and in pole position to finish Group L in the top spot, England scored two in each half of football.
Thomas Tuchel‘s team appears incapable of dismantling a low-block, with constant calls for “patience” from pundits and England staff, despite failing to create consistent opportunities of meaning.
England have averaged a shockingly low 0.06xG per shot in their last 135 minutes of football, with 28 attempts and no goals.
In his dissection of the “lack of quality” England have displayed at this World Cup tournament, Ian Wright called on an unlikely player who could change things for Tuchel’s men at the tournament.
“I’d like to see someone like Ivan Toney. We need to hold the ball up there, do more than just putting it in willy-nilly,” said Wright.
Gary Neville agreed with the sentiment, acknowledging that England are a side set up to face big teams, not “underdogs” who are willing to defend and play for the counter.
“We are struggling badly to break them down. He may have to bring on two strikers, Toney and Kane at half-time,” confessed Neville.
England resume the half in second position in the Group L table, in dire need of a goal, and perhaps a change in personnel, to top the standings.