Panama's World Cup woes are well-documented, but Saturday's showdown with England could bring an end to their sorry losing streak – the longest 100% losing record in tournament history. A loss would mark their sixth consecutive defeat, a dismal milestone that echoes their inaugural campaign in 2018, where they suffered three straight losses, including a crushing 6-1 thrashing at the hands of England.
Despite being on the brink of elimination, Panama's squad boasts an impressive wealth of experience – not just in terms of years but also caps. The team is the oldest and most-capped in this World Cup, making their battle-hardened players a force to be reckoned with. One player who will undoubtedly be causing England headaches is Adalberto 'Coco' Carrasquilla, the 27-year-old midfielder from UNAM in Mexico. After a brief injury layoff, Carrasquilla has been declared fit and raring to go – his energy, creativity, and ability to drive Panama forward are exactly what England will be wary of.
Another familiar face for English fans is Jose Cordoba, the 25-year-old Norwich City defender who's been on a remarkable upward curve since Philippe Clement took charge in November. Cordoba's scored his first international goal and has consistently impressed for both club and country – his power and pace are a potent combination that will test England's attack.
Cristian Martinez, the 29-year-old midfielder from Kiryat Shmona in Israel, has also caught the eye with his energetic displays. Dubbed 'El Fulo' for his distinctive bleached locks, Martinez has made a real impact since earning FIFA's man-of-the-match award against Croatia – his coach, Thomas Christiansen, was effusive in his praise.
Michael Amir Murillo, Panama's 30-year-old wing-back with Besiktas, brings a wealth of experience to the table – 95 caps and 9 goals for his country are impressive credentials. With his recent move from Marseille to Turkey, Murillo's departure was seen as a blow to their European ambitions, but he remains an integral part of Panama's squad.