England, who are expected to qualify for the World Cup, will play Panama in New Jersey on Saturday as they aim to finish top of Group L.
England still have work to do before thinking about the finals
England are currently scheduled to face Ecuador in the World Cup round of 32 after the South American side defeated Germany 2-1 in New Jersey.
The Three Lions will go through Group L top of the table if they beat Panama at the same venue on Saturday.
Initially it looked like England could join either the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Cape Verde, but the pendulum has now swung with Ecuador now up to four points in Group E.
With this result, Scotland also came close to being eliminated. If Belgium beat or draw with New Zealand and Iran beat or draw with Egypt, Steve Clarke’s side will be eliminated.
A win for Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo or a draw for Cape Verde in the final group match could also prove fatal for Scotland.
The Three Lions will be heading to Atlanta for the Round of 32 this weekend if they have business to attend to.
If they win, Mexico City will advance to the last 16, with either Mexico or currently Scotland potentially awaiting them.
Former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane scored within two minutes to give Germany the lead against Ecuador.
But Ecuador refused to throw in the towel despite firing blank shots in the first two games of the World Cup.
La Tri equalized with a goal from Sunderland winger Nilsson Angulo, before Gonzalo Plata surprised Germany with the winning goal.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann named a team that gave it their all, but despite taking the lead in the early stages, Germany escaped a predicament.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 25: Nilsson Angulo of Ecuador celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match between Ecuador and Germany at New York-New Jersey Stadium on June 25, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo credit: Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo collapsed on the grass at full-time as some of his colleagues fought back tears. Fans in the stands were also crying.
England have previously played against Ecuador in the World Cup finals. In the 2006 Germany tournament, David Beckham scored the winning goal from a free kick in the last 16, resulting in a 1-0 victory.
The current squad is packed with high-profile talent, including Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie, PSG center back Willian Pacho and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez.
Ecuador had a poor start to their World Cup journey, finishing second in the South American qualifiers.
They lost in the second half against Ivory Coast in Philadelphia before drawing with Curaçao following heroics from Minnows goalkeeper Eloy Room.
The round of 32 match between England and Ecuador could be played next Wednesday.
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