England secure top spot in World Cup group with win over Panama

By George Aldridge — 28 June 2026 — 3 min read

England’s Performance Against Panama

England secured the top position in Group L of the World Cup after defeating Panama with a 2-0 victory. The goals came in the second half, courtesy of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. This result ensures England’s progression into the knockout rounds of the tournament.

The match, played in New York, saw England needing to restore momentum following a draw against Ghana in their previous game. Manager Thomas Tuchel aimed to demonstrate his team’s capabilities, though the first 45 minutes presented challenges, with England struggling to break down a determined Panama side.

Panama, under the management of Thomas Christiansen, presented a compact defence, often employing a 5-4-1 formation. Despite their defensive structure, they did not sit deep, making it difficult for England to find openings. The rain at kick-off, with temperatures around 23C, added to the challenging conditions.

Key Moments and Player Contributions

The breakthrough for England arrived in the second half. Jude Bellingham scored the opening goal with a low volley from a corner delivered by Bukayo Saka. This goal provided significant relief for England, who had laboured to find a way through Panama’s defence in the first half.

Bellingham, playing in a deeper role, was frequently involved in the play and demonstrated his importance to the team. He later provided an assist for England’s second goal, setting up Harry Kane to score. Kane’s goal marked his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker’s record for the nation.

Several players made notable contributions during the match. Jordan Pickford made a good save from a Jose Luis Rodriguez effort in the first half. Jarell Quansah, making his first World Cup start at right-back, was solid defensively but had to be substituted in the second half due to an ankle injury. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi were also involved in defensive duties, making recovery runs as Panama exploited spaces left by England’s attacking pushes.

Nico O’Reilly’s ability to move into midfield from left-back was crucial, especially given Quansah’s position. Elliot Anderson, playing as the main defensive midfielder, covered a lot of ground and injected pace into England’s attacks with his passing. Bukayo Saka was a constant threat on the wing, with his corner deliveries proving to be a valuable asset.

Morgan Rogers made his first start after two substitute appearances, while Marcus Rashford showed flashes of pace and forced a save from Panama’s goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera early in the game. Kane, despite limited touches in the first half due to Panama’s packed midfield, became more involved as the game progressed, ultimately securing England’s win.

Substitutions and Outlook

In the second half, Djed Spence replaced the injured Quansah, keeping the play simple as England were in a commanding position. Noni Madueke came on for Saka, maintaining pressure on the Panama defence with his pace. Eberechi Eze and Ollie Watkins were introduced later in the game, with Watkins giving Kane a rest once the victory was secured. Jordan Henderson was also brought on to help see out the match with his experience.

Despite the win, manager Thomas Tuchel has aspects to consider regarding the team’s overall display. Panama exited the tournament without earning any points, having not secured a point in either of their World Cup appearances. They had, however, reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa América and the final of the 2025 Concacaf Nations League, showcasing their capabilities. England’s victory ensures their progression to the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

Source: bbc.co.uk