Jude Bellingham is reprising the role of England’s saviour he made his own in 2024. After his goal and a Harry Kane strike sealed a 2-0 win over Panama — enough to top Group L — thousands of jubilant Three Lions supporters in the New York New Jersey Stadium burst into a rendition of Oasis hit Wonderwall as it played over the tannoy. Kane, fresh from becoming the nation’s all-time top World Cup scorer, and his teammates looked into the stands in amazement as the adoring fans sang in unison. The Sun had backed calls for Wonderwall to become England’s World Cup anthem earlier this month, and the travelling army have been belting it out in bars since the tournament began. Former England skipper Terry Butcher said: “Wonderwall is a great song. Everyone knows the words, and the fact it comes from Manchester, one of England’s most patriotic cities, makes it a perfect anthem. It sounded great when the fans were belting it out – and thankfully it isn’t Sweet Caroline!”
But the win came at a cost. Manager Thomas Tuchel was forced into a substitution due to an injury worry, the one negative from an otherwise crucial victory. Oliver Holt, writing for the Daily Mail, warned that Tuchel has a big problem he cannot ignore — and without Bellingham, his boss may have been facing a World Cup embarrassment against minnows. “So start spreading the news: Bellingham is reprising the role of England’s saviour,” Holt wrote.
“Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane steer England to 2-0 win over Panama, topping Group L, but an injury worry forces Thomas Tuchel into a substitution.”
England now head into a last-32 clash against DR Congo as they seek to end a 60-year drought. The World Cup in the United States features a record 48 nations, with legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also vying for glory in what is likely their final appearance. For now, the Wonderwall echoes — but Tuchel’s selection headache lingers.