England defeat Panama to finish top of Group L
England secured first place in their World Cup group with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama, thanks to second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The result gives the Three Lions what appears to be a more favourable route in the knockout stage.
Panama frustrated England throughout the first half despite strong support from England fans, who created an atmosphere similar to that of Wembley Stadium. Harry Kane had very little involvement before the break, recording just 10 touches.
England finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham scored from Bukayo Saka’s corner kick. Despite being tightly marked inside the penalty area, Bellingham stretched out his left foot to guide the ball past Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera for his third World Cup goal.
Just five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider. His cross from the left found Harry Kane, who rose above Andrés Andrade to head the ball into the net and double England’s lead.
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The goal marked another milestone for Kane, who became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals, surpassing Gary Lineker’s previous record of 10. It also marked Kane’s 82nd international goal for England.
“Our first job achieved,” Bellingham said after the match. He praised Kane’s performance, saying the captain continues to improve and lead the team by example. England finished the group stage with two wins and one draw, collecting seven points to secure first place. The team is now set to play its Round of 32 match in Atlanta, where it is expected to face either Senegal or Congo.
Panama defender José Córdoba acknowledged the difference in quality between the two teams. He said England’s world-class players and highly developed football system made the challenge extremely difficult for his side. By finishing first, England is likely to avoid tougher opponents in the early knockout rounds, giving itself a stronger chance of making a deep run in the tournament.
