Raheem Sterling KEEPS place in England side for Panama clash

Raheem Sterling will keep his place in England’s starting XI for today’s clash against Panama.

Gareth Southgate’s only change from the team that started against Tunisia will see Ruben Loftus-Cheek make his full World Cup debut in place of the injured Dele Alli, who is hopeful of being available for the final group game against Sweden.

Sterling had been sweating on his place in the team with Marcus Rashford pushing hard for a starting role.

Assistant manager Steve Holland’s photographed training notes earlier this week also appeared to suggest Rashford would start.

But Southgate has stuck with the Manchester City star for today’s World Cup clash in a significant show of faith from the England boss.

Sportsmail understands Southgate has also given serious consideration to giving Danny Rose a start down the left as he seeks natural balance down the left hand side.

But Ashley Young keeps his place at left-wing back with fitness concerns over Rose – particularly in the sweltering heat here in Nizhny Novgorod – a factor.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will make his full World Cup debut, coming in for Dele Alli

Gareth Southgate has named his England line-up to take on Panama in their second game

Elsewhere, Jordan Pickford keeps his place in goal while Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire will play in a three man defence flanked by Kieran Trippier and Young.

Loftus-Cheek will be joined by Jordan Henderson and Jesse Lingard in midfield.

Sterling will join Harry Kane in attack.

Victory against Panama this afternoon will guarantee England’s place in the knockout stages.