Bellingham breaks deadlock and Kane sets record as England beat Panama 2-0 to win Group L

Match overview

England sealed first place in World Cup Group L with a hard-earned 2-0 win against Panama at a rain-soaked MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. After a goalless first half in which England dominated possession but created few clear chances, Thomas Tuchel's side eventually broke through Panama's deep defensive block in the second period. The result gave England seven points, ahead of Croatia on six, and sent them into the round of 32 as a seeded team.

England7

Croatia6

Ghana4

Panama0

England

7 points

Croatia

6 points

Ghana

4 points

Panama

0 points

Data from the article text

Bellingham's breakthrough

England laboured for 62 minutes before Jude Bellingham forced the opener from a Bukayo Saka corner. Held tightly by a defender inside the six-yard box, Bellingham stabbed a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The goal was his third at World Cups, his second of this tournament, and released the tension among the heavily pro-England crowd. Five minutes later Bellingham turned provider, clipping a cross from the left for Kane to head home.

Tuchel praised the balance Bellingham brought. "Good performance, happy he is in this kind of shape and everyone did what they needed to do, and Jude was a big part of that," he said.

“First job achieved. We came here to do it in sections and we got through the pre-games well and we achieved the first job -- we got through the group and won it.”

Kane's record-breaking header

Harry Kane's 67th-minute header, which doubled the lead, was his 11th World Cup goal for England, moving him past Gary Lineker's 10 and making him the nation's all-time leading scorer at the tournament. Kane had been almost anonymous in the first half, recording only 10 touches, the fewest of any outfield player before the interval. The goal was his third of this campaign after a brace against Croatia and his 82nd for England overall.

“A solid performance again, against a side with fast, tricky players. They had little moments but overall we controlled it pretty well. Another proud one to reach, let's hope it's not the last instalment.”

Injury worries at right back

Jarell Quansah, who had replaced the injured Reece James at right back, went down in the 59th minute after tangling with Panama's José Luis Rodríguez. He was treated on the pitch and later described by Tuchel as having a "classic ankle twist." Tuchel admitted concern about the depth at the position, saying it would be a "very tight race" for both James and Quansah to be fit for the round of 32 fixture in midweek.

Jordan Henderson struck a pragmatic note on the squad's readiness.

“Everybody has got to be ready to play whenever needed. And that's why it's important the whole squad is ready to go.”

Panama's campaign ends goalless

Panama exited the tournament without scoring a single goal, having lost 1-0 to both Ghana and Croatia before Saturday's defeat. Coach Thomas Christiansen said he would take time to decide on his future after six years in charge. "I need time to analyse all that has happened," he told a press conference. "I have to talk to many people, especially my family who has suffered because of my absence."