Jude Bellingham produced the spark England desperately needed as Thomas Tuchel’s side laboured to a 2-0 win over Panama to finish top of Group L at the FIFA World Cup on Saturday. Harry Kane also found the net to become England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, while Croatia joined the Three Lions in the Round of 32 with a 2-1 win over Ghana.
The scoreline flattered England after another frustrating outing in New Jersey, where Tuchel’s men controlled possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Panama side for over an hour. It took a moment of persistence from Bellingham to finally open the contest before the midfielder turned provider for Kane just five minutes later.
England finished the group stage unbeaten with seven points, one ahead of Croatia, ensuring a more favourable route into the knockout rounds. Ghana, despite the defeat, also progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing on four points, while Panama exited the tournament without a point.
Panama vs England, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights
BELLINGHAM DELIVERS
Tuchel responded to England’s goalless draw against Ghana by making five changes, but the alterations did little to improve the team’s attacking rhythm in the opening hour.
Marcus Rashford looked lively from the left and forced Orlando Mosquera into an early save, while Jude Bellingham was England’s brightest outlet, constantly looking to drive at Panama’s defence. Yet the final ball continued to elude the Europeans.
Panama remained compact, disciplined and dangerous on the counter. Jose Rodriguez nearly punished England midway through the first half before Jordan Pickford produced a sharp save to preserve parity.
England’s attacking play soon became predictable. Rashford frequently held onto possession for too long, Bukayo Saka found himself isolated on the opposite flank and Harry Kane struggled to influence proceedings inside the penalty area.
The frustration grew as Rashford headed wide from close range, Elliot Anderson tested Mosquera from distance and another Rashford free kick drifted narrowly wide before the interval.
England resumed after the break with greater urgency but little more creativity. Kane squandered a close-range opportunity before Mosquera denied him again as Panama continued to frustrate Tuchel’s side.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute.
Saka’s corner dropped invitingly into a crowded six-yard box where Bellingham, despite being wrestled by his marker, managed to poke home from close range and finally lift the tension inside the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Five minutes later, the Real Madrid midfielder turned creator. Picking up possession on the left, Bellingham clipped a precise cross into the area where Kane rose above his defender to power home his 11th World Cup goal for England, moving past Gary Lineker to become the nation’s outright leading scorer at the tournament.
The two-goal burst transformed the atmosphere as anxious England supporters finally found their voice, serenading the team during the hydration break after spending much of the afternoon fearing another frustrating result.
TUCHEL’S REWARD
The performance was far from convincing, but Tuchel will care little after securing the one objective that mattered.
Following criticism after England’s lifeless draw against Ghana, the German shuffled his starting XI, resting Declan Rice while handing opportunities to Morgan Rogers, Nico O’Reilly and Jarell Quansah. However, the same issues persisted as England monopolised possession without consistently threatening Panama’s organised defensive block.
What ultimately separated the sides was individual quality.
Bellingham once again proved England’s difference-maker, producing the decisive intervention when the contest appeared destined for another anxious finish. Kane’s record-breaking goal then ensured England closed out the victory comfortably.
There was another landmark late in the match as Jordan Henderson became the first England player to feature at four FIFA World Cups after coming off the bench.
CROATIA ADVANCE
Croatia ensured they joined England in the knockout stage after edging Ghana 2-1 in the other Group L fixture.
Petar Sucic gave Croatia the lead with a superb long-range strike before Derrick Luckassen equalised from a second-half set piece to briefly revive Ghana’s hopes of overtaking Zlatko Dalic’s side.
However, with seven minutes remaining, Luka Modric’s corner found Nikola Vlasic, whose header restored Croatia’s advantage and sealed second place in the group.
Croatia finished on six points behind England’s seven, while Ghana’s four points proved enough to claim one of the eight best third-place spots and extend their World Cup campaign despite defeat.
For England, however, Saturday was less about style than substance. Tuchel’s side may still have questions to answer before the knockout rounds, but thanks to Bellingham’s influence and Kane’s record-breaking finish, they achieved exactly what they set out to do by finishing top of Group L.
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