Thomas Tuchel did not celebrate when Jude Bellingham scored. The England manager looked annoyed. It was an expertly steered low volley from Bukayo Saka's corner, the breakthrough England needed against a stubborn Panama side in New York New Jersey Stadium. But Tuchel's reaction told the story: this was not a performance that inspired confidence.
England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 win, the result everything after the bore draw against Ghana in game two. Tuchel needed to restore momentum, to rekindle the excitement from the opening 4-2 win over Croatia. For the opening 45 minutes, it was possible to fear the worst. Would England fail to prise apart another obdurate opponent?
“England beat Panama 2-0 but Tuchel looked annoyed; unconvincing performance raises concerns before DR Congo clash.”
They were better after the interval. Bellingham had the bit between his teeth and, after his opener, he drove up the inside-left, a typical surge, jinking one way then another before delivering a cross that Harry Kane headed home. The goal was Kane's 11th in a World Cup, one more than Gary Lineker — a record for the nation.
But the worries about England's overall display did not melt away. The fears about how this team might fare against an elite-level team lingered. Panama exited with zero points, not managing a single point at either of their World Cup appearances, but they went with a measure of pride. Tuchel has plenty to ponder: issues throughout the team.
When Oasis's "Wonderwall" played at the end and the England fans joined in, it did not feel jubilant. Nonetheless, England will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, kick-off at 5pm BST. DR Congo finished as one of the eight best third-place sides to progress for the first time. Should England advance, they will play their last-16 game on Sunday, July 5, in Mexico City — a potential clash with Mexico on their own turf if they get past Ecuador.