Report: Raheem Sterling to start for England against Panama in World Cup clash

England manager Gareth Southgate has decided to retain Raheem Sterling in his starting XI for Sunday's World Cup Group G encounter with Panama, according to reports.

The Manchester City winger came under criticism for his largely fruitless performance in the Three Lions' 2-1 win over Tunisia last time out.

Steve Holland's leaked training notes also suggested that Marcus Rashford would replace Sterling in England's attack.

However, BBC Sport has now claimed that Southgate has already told his charges of the starting XI against Panama, and Sterling is set to feature from the off.

In addition, the report states that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the only change as he comes in for the injured Dele Alli.

England currently sit second in Group G on three points, having played one game fewer than Belgium, who have two wins from two.