ENGLAND MUST PLAY WITH URGENCY AGAINST PANAMA LOW BLOCK

England will face similar defensive tactics from Panama on Saturday to those deployed by Ghana in their goalless draw, according to analysis by Emma Hayes. Hayes, a coach, stated that Ghana employed an extremely compact formation positioned very low and well drilled, requiring England to respond with greater variety, better movement and urgency. Hayes observed that England took too long to play with the required intensity during their match against Ghana. Thomas Tuchel's team will have worked on key tactical details in preparation for their final Group L game to break down Panama's anticipated defensive setup.

Hayes highlighted the importance of creating urgency without rushing when attacking a low block. She cited Paris Saint-Germain's approach against Arsenal in this year's men's Champions League final as an instructive example, noting that PSG created a penalty not through direct crossing but via patient, methodological play around the penalty area. Hayes stated that whipping crosses into a box defended by a back four with five players positioned within fewer than six or seven yards apart is ineffective. She emphasised that coaches must encourage players to find ways to create chaos whilst maintaining patience, with all players needing to play as if the 90th minute had arrived much earlier than it had.

Hayes noted that Ghana's defensive approach was notably effective, matching England in one-on-one situations and proving aggressive in duels whilst avoiding being drawn into England's usual press-baiting tactics. She stated that Ghana's wide players did not jump towards the ball, making it significantly harder for England's spare player to find space in pockets of the pitch. In a knockout scenario, Hayes suggested England might deploy full-backs as wingers, introduce a second striker, switch to a 3-5-2 formation or field two attacking number 10s to generate more attacking numbers.