Jude Bellingham scored one and set up another as England beat Panama 2-0 to secure their place in the World Cup last 32 as winners of Group L. The victory, sealed by goals from Bellingham and Harry Kane, ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side advanced with a perfect record — but the performance laid bare the tactical conundrum that could define their knockout campaign.
Across three group matches, Bellingham has looked like three different players. Against Croatia, he was the dynamic attacking midfielder: three shots, 0.68 expected goals, four touches inside the box. Against Ghana, his influence evaporated — expected goals fell to 0.01, expected assists to 0.03, and he won only a third of his offensive duels. Then against Panama, he was back to his best: a goal, an assist, 0.38 xG and 0.38 expected assists in 73 minutes, winning nine of 12 offensive duels and recovering possession seven times in the opposition half.
“England qualify for World Cup last 32 as group winners after 2-0 win over Panama”
Tuchel’s dilemma is not just about Bellingham. Elliot Anderson, described by the head coach as "the full package," has emerged as a central component of England’s World Cup plans — and is now on the brink of a club-record £116m move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old, whose sale from Newcastle was called "the most reluctant in my career" by Eddie Howe, was forced out of St James’ Park in July 2024 because the club feared breaking profit and sustainability rules. His journey from Tyneside’s Wallsend Boys’ Club, where Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley once learned their trade, has taken him to the World Cup stage and soon to the Etihad.
As Tuchel turns attention to the knockout rounds, he has delivered a new message to his squad. The details of that message were not revealed in the sources, but the implication is clear: England must find a way to consistently put Bellingham in positions where he hurts opponents most. The numbers prove he can be a matchwinner — now Tuchel must ensure he stays one.