England top group but face injury crisis and harsh reality check before World Cup knockout clash

Jude Bellingham's second-half brilliance rescued England from a first-half slog against Panama, securing a 2-0 win that confirmed top spot in Group L – but the victory came at a heavy cost as defensive injuries deepened Thomas Tuchel's squad crisis. Jarell Quansah limped off, joining Reece James and Tino Livramento on the sidelines, leaving Djed Spence as the squad's only natural right-back. The win, sealed by Bellingham and Harry Kane after a goalless first half, ensured England face DR Congo in the last 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST). Tuchel told BBC Sport: "It was hard work. We were ready for that. I said we so often get carried away with our expectations and what we demand of ourselves. We demanded to win the group and this is the day we did this." But pundit Roy Keane delivered a stinging verdict, comparing England's sluggish first-half display to Scotland's recent struggles, arguing that top players failed to show quality and allowed themselves to be dragged down by a lower-ranked opponent. The criticism echoed wider concerns: England laboured for an hour against Panama, ranked 42nd in the world, and offered the underdogs hope with another vulnerable defensive display. Phil McNulty, BBC Sport's chief football writer, wrote that while England completed phase one, "it would be delusion to suggest England's progress has been totally convincing. They can forget winning the World Cup if they do not improve." Tuchel, who rested Declan Rice due to a hamstring injury and a yellow card, deployed Bellingham alongside boyhood friend Morgan Rogers – a pairing that left Elliot Anderson over-run as a single pivot. But Bellingham's game-changing performance vindicated the manager's faith: the midfielder, whose place had been debated before the tournament under pressure from Rogers' outstanding form, now has a crucial goal against Croatia and a decisive display against Panama. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi came off the bench for Argentina to score their final group match against Jordan, extending his all-time World Cup record to 19 goals and setting a new milestone by scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Scotland manager Steve Clarke resigned after his side's World Cup exit was confirmed. England's serious business starts now – and Tuchel must hope his side will rise to the occasion. "I know our expectations," he said. "I know our dream. I know we can do better."