For England to go deep into the tournament and build on their opening World Cup win, Gareth Southgate must be flexible with his team selection. That is why, despite the encouraging performance against Tunisia, he should make changes against Panama.

Freshening up the side is important, keeping those who are yet to play motivated while also showing those who started against Tunisia they need to keep their level in training.

Most important, there are tactical reasons for tweaking the line-up on Sunday. I would make three changes, the most significant of which involves Marcus Rashford replacing Raheem Sterling.

England’s system does not suit Sterling – or certainly not in the position he is currently occupying. It is designed to enable Southgate to select more attack-minded, technical players with the added protection of three centre-backs and a holding midfielder.

Yet against Tunisia, even in the first half when England were at their best, Sterling was being pushed so far forward he was effectively alongside Harry Kane as a second striker. He can play the deeper role of a number ten well – four years ago he was outstanding in the position despite England’s loss to Italy – but Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard are so far advanced they are taking up the space Sterling would want to be.