Thomas Tuchel embraced ITV presenter Laura Woods after England's 2-0 victory over Panama sealed top spot in Group L – but the German manager insisted the job is not done. 'It's good. But not the end,' he told Woods from the MetLife Stadium pitch in New Jersey.
Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock on 62 minutes, heading home from Bukayo Saka's corner. Five minutes later, Harry Kane scored his second of the tournament to become England's record World Cup scorer, surpassing Gary Lineker's tally of 10. The goal sparked celebrations in the stands and among fans watching in New York and back home.
“England beat Panama 2-0 to top Group L; Harry Kane becomes record World Cup scorer.”
Tuchel praised his side's resilience. 'We were aggressive and careful with the counter attacks – we deserved to win but it was a hard piece of work,' he said. 'We were the only team to score twice against them.'
The victory ensured England finish top of Group L, setting up a last-32 clash against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday. 'The tournament starts again now in knockouts,' Tuchel added. 'Now we collect our strength and energy. We build our team spirit and belief. We will step up, the bigger the games get the bigger we'll be.'
However, the win came at a cost. Defender Jarell Quansah limped off with an ankle problem, leaving England short at right-back. 'Jarell, I don't know, had to go off injured so we need to see,' Tuchel said. 'But three days in the next, and then next match in four days is not a problem. We love that, and we're good at that.'
England fans gathered in a fan zone in Sheffield, where Channel 4 News reporter Andrew Misra described the mood as confident despite what some called an 'unexciting' performance. The Three Lions had already secured a knockout place before kick-off thanks to favourable results elsewhere, but topping the group was essential to avoid a potential clash with Portugal.
England will now fly to Atlanta for their first knockout match of a record-breaking 48-team World Cup – a tournament that also features footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in what is likely their final appearance on the global stage.