England Secures World Cup Knockout Stage Spot Ahead of Panama Match

England's place in the knockout stages of the World Cup has been confirmed before they face Panama in their final group game on Saturday. The Three Lions sit on four points after two games - meaning they are at least guaranteed one of the eight third-placed qualification spots. Four other teams sit on four points - Sweden, Ecuador, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Paraguay - with four groups, including England's still to wrap up. Uruguay's defeat by Spain on Saturday was the result that confirmed the Three Lions' place in the last 32. England made a winning start to the tournament by beating Croatia 4-2, before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana on Tuesday. England currently lead group L, with second-placed Ghana, level with the Three Lions on four points, playing Croatia in the other match. Both games kick-off at 22:00 BST on Saturday. If England match or better Ghana's result without losing they will finish top. That would then set up a match against one of the eight best third-placed teams. If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan in their final group K match at 00:30 BST on Sunday, they will play England. If DR Congo draw or lose then England will play Senegal, unless Croatia lose to Ghana. There is a scenario where England could face the third-placed team from Group J, which would be one of Austria and Algeria, who play each other in their final game. This would happen if DR Congo draw or lose and Croatia lose and Group J gets a position. This would most likely happen through a draw, which would mean England play Algeria. England could still play Austria if they lose by one goal and Croatia lose and DR Congo do not win. If DR Congo draw or lose and Croatia lose and Group J does not get a best third place, England play Senegal. If England were to finish second in their group, they would play the second-placed team in group K which is currently Portugal.