Jude Bellingham has a name for what ails England: “second game fever”. The midfielder coined the phrase after England’s goalless draw with Ghana, their fourth successive second-game stalemate at a major tournament stretching back to Euro 2020. “We need to roll with it,” said Bellingham, who was named man of the match despite the frustration. “We can learn from it.”
That 0-0 result leaves England top of Group L but unable to secure their last-32 spot early. Their sights are now on Saturday’s match against Panama – a match that could set up a potential last-16 meeting with Scotland in Mexico City on 6 July at 01:00 BST.
“England face Panama after a goalless draw, while Scotland prepare to face Brazil in a match that could set up a last-16 meeting.”
Scotland, currently third in Group C, face a gargantuan clash with Brazil in Miami as their fans descend on the city. A positive result would improve their chances of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams – a format complicated by the 48-team field and new tiebreaker rules.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his return to prominence with a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan. Gianni Infantino has discussed the possibility of hydration breaks continuing beyond this World Cup, while Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz was left unimpressed with Bellingham.
As the final group fixtures begin on 24 June, BBC Sport has developed a predictor tool that updates in-game to help fans plot their country’s route to the final on 19 July. With 32 teams advancing from 48, the knockout path remains fluid – and a potential England-Scotland showdown could still hinge on results elsewhere.