EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — England recovered from a laboured start as Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored to secure a 2-0 victory over Panama and finish top of Group L.
Thomas Tuchel made five changes from the goalless draw with Ghana, bringing Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers and Nico O’Reilly into the side, according to James Olley.
The first half was difficult for England, who struggled to break down Panama’s defence in a period described as painfully bereft of clear-cut chances. England recorded just two shots on target before the interval.
England raised their intensity after the break and were rewarded on 62 minutes when Bellingham converted Saka’s corner inside the near post. Five minutes later Bellingham turned provider, collecting Rashford’s pass and crossing for Kane to head home his third goal of the tournament. That goal made Kane England’s all-time top scorer at World Cups with 11, surpassing Gary Lineker.
Jarell Quansah limped off with an injury after 63 minutes, deepening concerns about England’s options at full back. Olley noted that England have already lost Ben White to a knee injury and Tino Livramento to a calf problem this summer, and that Trevoh Chalobah was called up in part to allow Quansah to play at full back. Reece James was also absent with a hamstring issue, and Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out of the squad, according to Olley.
By topping Group L, England advance to a round-of-32 match in Atlanta on Wednesday with their opponent unconfirmed. Finishing first reduces the likelihood of an early clash with teams such as Portugal or Spain; Olley wrote that topping the group makes a match against Senegal or DR Congo more likely next, with a potential quarterfinal against Mexico in Mexico City also on the projected route.
