Jude Bellingham scored once and set up another for Harry Kane as England beat Panama 2-0 in rainy New Jersey on Saturday to finish top of Group L and secure a more favourable path in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
England will now face DR Congo in the Round of 32 after the African side came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1. England topped the group with seven points, ahead of Croatia on six. Ghana finished with four points, while Panama ended their campaign without a point.
After a slow first half and an hour of dominating possession without creating many clear chances, England finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute.
Bukayo Saka’s corner dropped into a crowded penalty area, where Bellingham fought off his marker before poking the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
Just five minutes later, Bellingham was involved again. He delivered a cross from the left that Harry Kane met with a powerful header to double England’s lead.
The goal was Kane’s 11th at the FIFA World Cup, taking him past Gary Lineker’s tally of 10 to become England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer.
The second goal lifted the mood among England fans, who had spent much of the match growing increasingly anxious before celebrating with songs during the hydration break.
England manager Thomas Tuchel made five changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Ghana. Reece James missed out with a hamstring injury, allowing Jarell Quansah to start at right back, while Nico O’Reilly returned at left back.
Declan Rice was rested, Morgan Rogers came into midfield and Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford replaced Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon.
Rashford created England’s first real chance in the seventh minute with a low shot that forced Mosquera into a good save.
England looked most dangerous down the left through Rashford and Bellingham, but Panama threatened on the counterattack and Jordan Pickford had to make an important save from Jose Rodriguez midway through the first half.
As the game wore on, England became easier to defend. Rashford often held onto the ball too long, while Saka found little space on the right as Panama quickly closed him down.
Rashford headed wide from close range in the 37th minute, Elliot Anderson tested Mosquera with a long-range effort, and Rashford curled a free-kick just wide before halftime.
Tuchel kept the same team after the break, but England continued to struggle. Kane missed a good chance in the 51st minute after Panama almost turned the ball into their own net, and Mosquera denied him again a few minutes later.
Bellingham eventually made the difference, helping England secure a hard-earned win and ensuring they progressed as group winners.
There was also a landmark moment late in the game as Jordan Henderson came off the bench to become the first England player to appear at four FIFA World Cups.
