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England secured top spot in Group L after defeating Panama 2-0, with captain Harry Kane becoming the country’s highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup history.
After a frustrating first half in front of 80,663 fans at New York New Jersey Stadium, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, turning home Bukayo Saka’s corner to give Thomas Tuchel’s side the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross for Kane to head home from close range. The strike was Kane’s 11th World Cup goal, taking him past Gary Lineker to become England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament. It also marked his 82nd international goal in 117 appearances.
The victory saw England finish top of Group L with seven points, setting up a Round of 32 clash against either DR Congo or Senegal on Wednesday.
Despite the win, England produced another uneven performance. Panama, already eliminated before kick-off, exposed defensive weaknesses throughout the contest and registered 13 attempts on goal, leaving Tuchel with concerns ahead of the knockout stage.
England’s defensive problems were compounded when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, who started in place of the injured Reece James, limped off in the second half, adding to the team’s growing injury worries.
Bellingham was once again England’s standout performer, driving the team forward after a sluggish display and playing a decisive role in both goals. His influence proved vital as England briefly looked in danger of surrendering first place in the group.
The match also saw veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson make history after coming off the bench to become the first England player to feature in four FIFA World Cups.
England now head into the knockout rounds unbeaten, but Tuchel will expect significant improvement if his side are to mount a serious challenge for the trophy. Panama, meanwhile, exited the tournament without claiming a point from the group stage.
