Two goals in the second half from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were enough for England to beat Panama 2-0 in New Jersey and secure top spot in World Cup Group L. Kane also overtook Gary Lineker for England World Cup goals.
Story of the match
Tough first half for England
Panama managed a shot on goal seconds after kickoff, Tomás Rodríguez’s low shot outside the area safely claimed by Jordan Pickford.
Marcus Rashford forced a decent save to the left of Orlando Mosquera. Mosquera punched the following corner, but only to Bukayo Saka, whose first-time volley flew high over the bar.
England, as expected, dominated the opening exchanges, with Harry Kane managing their first attempt of the afternoon, which bounced away for a corner.
Panama relieved some of the pressure on them after the hydration break with another attempt on goal, Jose Luis Rodriguez calling Pickford into action once more.
The Three Lions' best chance of the first half came in the 38th minute, Marcus Rashford’s header had just too much on it, but the cross from Elliot Anderson was beautiful to set up the header.
Rashford’s free kick from range in first-half stoppage time had some bend on it, but not enough to curl inside the post of the Panama net. Albeit a very frustrating first half for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Croatia leading 1-0 at half-time meant that the Three Lions actually sat in second in the group.
Both sides have defensive errors
An absolute mess at the back almost gifted England the lead, José Córdoba’s clearance almost bounced in on his fellow centre-half Andrés Andrade, but it bobbled over the crossbar.
England’s defence was sleeping, and José Luis Rodríguez came inches away from bending one into the top right corner, but it was another warning sign for the Three Lions.
A good through ball from Jude Bellingham found Harry Kane. The England captain's powerful effort was pushed away by Mosquera.
Saka's corner knocked
Bellingham was England's best player against Panama, so thoroughly deserved his goal. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images) home by Bellingham for the opener
England broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark. Bukayo Saka’s outswinging corner was met with a volley from Bellingham, which flew past Mosquera. It had been a tough time breaking down Panama, but, like the Croatia game, a set piece helped them take the lead.
Kane's historic moment doubles England's lead
Kane made it 2-0 a few minutes later. Bellingham’s cross was headed into the roof of the net by the captain, who became England’s top scorer at the World Cup, his 11th goal overtaking Gary Lineker’s record.
Panama had created some opportunities, but had yet to register a shot on target in the second half from eight shots. It was largely comfortable for the Three Lions, who were topping the group with a win anyway, but Ghana’s equaliser against Croatia helped to put them two points clear.
Harry Kane was brought off with six minutes to go, with Ollie Watkins getting his first minutes of the tournament. Anderson also made way for Jordan Henderson, who became the first England player to play at seven major tournaments.
Noni Madueke nearly made it 3-0, with a tricky effort being stopped by Mosquera, then Panama believed they’d pull a goal back a minute into stoppage time; however, José Fajardo had gone just a yard early.
Eberechi Eze was the next one to come closer to a third goal for England, his deflected strike from range wrongfooted Mosquera, and went out for a corner.
Group L roundup
Despite going three halves of football without scoring, the Three Lions had found a pair of goals with Jude Bellingham being involved in both.
It means they have topped Group L and will play a third-place team on Wednesday, July 1st, in Atlanta, which is still to be confirmed; currently, it would be Senegal, but DR Congo also has the opportunity to face England if they can beat Uzbekistan.
Thomas Tuchel’s side now heads back to Kansas City for a couple of days before heading to the Midwest of the USA and to Georgia.
Panama’s World Cup was over, but compared to their last appearance in 2018, they had given it a good go this time around.
