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Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Raheem Sterling set to start against Panama

 during a xxx at St Georges Park on May 28, 2018 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.
Image: Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to start against Panama

England are expected to make just one change for Sunday's World Cup clash with Panama, Sky Sports News understands.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to replace Dele Alli, who has a thigh strain, while Raheem Sterling will retain his place ahead of Marcus Rashford.

Alli was taken off with 10 minutes left during England's 2-1 defeat of Tunisia and manager Gareth Southgate confirmed on Saturday the Tottenham midfielder would not be ready for this afternoon's match.

Loftus-Cheek was brought on to replace Alli on Monday night and, having made a good impression, he will get the nod from the start against Panama.

Rashford starred in England's final warm-up game and also did well from the bench against Tunisia, prompting speculation that he might be handed a place in the line-up.

Raheem Sterling during an England training session on June 21, 2018
Image: Raheem Sterling will retain his place despite the good form of Marcus Rashford

And England assistant manager Steve Holland was pictured earlier in the week holding a teamsheet which appeared to reveal that Rashford was starting ahead of Sterling.

But Southgate looks set to kept faith with Manchester City forward Sterling, who scored 18 Premier League goals last season.

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A win would guarantee England a place in the last 16 and keep them level with Belgium at the top of Group G.

Probable England team:

Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Young, Loftus-Cheek, Henderson, Lingard, Sterling, Kane.

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