England, the birthplace of football, goes today for their qualification to the second round of the World Cup in Russia against a Panama team that, even though it is making its debut in the international tournament, can ironically boast of more experience in its ranks.

In the Central American team, there are players like the goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, 36 years old, the midfielder Gabriel Gómez (34) and the strikers Blas Pérez (37) and Luis Tejada (36). Román Torres, the author of the goal that qualified Panama, is 32.

England, on the other hand, has a young squad and experience could be a factor if the match becomes complicated, as it happened in their debut against Tunisia, whom they defeated 2-1 with two goals from Harry Kane, the second one in injury time.

The match, on the other hand, will be played at three in the afternoon in Nizhny Novgorod (07:00 in Ecuador), where 31 degrees Celsius are forecasted, which could favor the Panamanians.

"We have to adapt to the heat," said England coach Gareth Southgate. "It is important to maintain possession of the ball" to avoid exerting too much effort.

In theory, England is the great favorite to come out successful and accompany Belgium to the second round in Group G.

On the other hand, Panama coach Hernán Darío Gómez stated that the match against England "is the most complicated of all" in the first phase. He indicated that the English may not have as many individual talents as Belgium, but their teamwork is superior.

"It is a young, dynamic team, with very nice technique, touches at speed, well worked. A bit of distraction, and we will have a hard time."

In the face of a logical elimination, Gómez had previously said "we are going to Russia to learn."

England
Pickford; Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Young; Lingard, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek; Rashford, Kane. Manager: Gareth Southgate.

Panama
Penedo; Torres, Escobar, Davis, Murillo; Gómez, Cooper, Godoy, Bárcenas; Rodríguez, Pérez.
Manager: Hernán Darío Gómez.

Referee: Ghead Grisha (Egypt).
Time: 07:00 in Ecuador
Stadium: Nizhny Novgorod.
Live coverage: Directv Sports. (D)