Jude Bellingham scored one goal and provided the cross for Harry Kane to break Gary Lineker's World Cup goals record as England secured a 2-0 win over Panama, topping Group L and booking their knockout-stage trip to Atlanta. The victory, however, was far from straightforward. Thomas Tuchel's side laboured against a stubborn Panamanian defence, struggling to create chances before Bellingham broke the deadlock.
Tuchel had made five changes to the outfield line-up, bringing in Jarell Quansah, Nico O'Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford. Rashford forced a good early save from Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, and Saka was lively down the flank. But despite the changes, England left themselves exposed on the counter-attack, and the match was a stark contrast to the 6-1 thrashing they handed Panama in 2018.
“Bellingham scores and assists as England beat Panama 2-0; Kane breaks Lineker's World Cup goals record.”
There were no boos at half-time, but the Mirror's John Cross noted that grumblings could be felt from back home. Tuchel admitted there was no special 'recipe' for playing against a low block. Just as frustration mounted, Bellingham took control. He broke the deadlock and then crossed for Kane to score his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Lineker's record. BBC Sport pundits Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney praised Bellingham's 'desire and hunger' to perform on the biggest stage. Cross called him a 'world class talent who would get into any team at the tournament.'
'When England needed him most, their best player stepped up to the mark,' Cross wrote. With the group stage secured, England now turn their attention to Atlanta, where they will hope to improve on a performance that left many wanting more.