England gear up for Panama game, Japan-Senegal in key clash

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England, bowled over by their last minute win over Tunisia, will take on Panama in their Group G game. With Belgium beating Tunisia, England are all but certain to book a knockout stage position if they win against Panama today. However, the English side received a minor jolt as their probable starting line-up was apparently leaked out by the English media.

England head coach Gareth Southgate said on Saturday that his team has studied Panama "a lot over the last few months" and he expected no more surprises in their World Cup Group G clash in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday.

Southgate also gave his comments on England reportedly being labelled in China as "happy football," a term about how the English exit the majority of their tournaments in a hilarious or absurd manner.

"I'm probably one of the guiltiest people of a 'happy football' experience."

Panama's players take part in a training session at Nizhny Novgorod stadium on the eve of the match against England. /VCG Photo

"Look, history is not the important thing for this team. They have an opportunity to create their own history. And they should be excited about that," said the former England defender.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jordan Henderson believes hydration will be key for England to do well against Panama, given the hot conditions in Nizhny Novgorod, where temperatures can hit as high as 31 degrees during the kickoff of the match.

Panama made their debut at the World Cup on Monday but were thrashed 3-0 by their hot favorite European rivals.

Sensational Senegal up against spirited Japan

Team Senegal training before Sunday’s first stage match against Japan in the Ekaterinburg Arena, Russia. /VCG Photo

Senegal striker Sadio Mane said his team is ready to take on Japan in Sunday's Group H World Cup clash in Yekaterinburg and reminded his opponents that the African nation has more than just one player. Mane's rebuttal came just a couple of hours after Japanese coach Akira Nishino said he was ready to mark Mane up with three players.

"It's a pleasure to hear everyone talking about me, of course but it's also an important trap to be avoided. For Senegal what's important is the whole group and we are going to face a good team, but we are going to try and concentrate on ourselves and what we have to do," the Liverpool striker told reporters.

"I think if there's an anti-Sadio Mane plan there's not going to be any worries as long as this whole group setup is well in place," Mane added. Senegal edged past a mighty Poland in their opening game.

Defender Yuto Nagatomo (front) of Japan training ahead of their upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match against Senegal /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, an upbeat Japan with their 2-1 win over Colombia in their opening game, seem to be ready for their second match in this World Cup.

"For the past several days, I have been telling my players to gain five centimeters and five kilograms but it failed, so we need other measures," he joked. "Of course there is a ball, and through using the ball we are going to take on Senegal."

(With input from agencies)