Thomas Tuchel gets the job done as Jude Bellingham beats stubborn Panama
Jude Bellingham provided the spark England desperately needed as Thomas Tuchel’s side toiled to a 2-0 victory over Panama to top Group L at the World Cup on Saturday. Harry Kane also found the net to become England’s all-time World Cup goalscorer as Croatia joined the Three Lions in the round of 32 with a 2-1 win over Ghana.
The score flattered England after another frustrating outing in New Jersey, where Tuchel’s men controlled possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Panamanian side after an hour. It took some persistence for Bellingham to finally open the contest before the midfielder turned provider for Kane just five minutes later.
England finished the group stage unbeaten with seven points, one ahead of Croatia, ensuring a more favorable path to the knockout stages. Despite the defeat, Ghana advanced as one of the top teams in third place after finishing on four points, while Panama exited the tournament without a point.
Panama vs England, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlighting
BELLINGHAM DELIVERS
Tuchel replied England’s goalless draw against Ghana by making five changes, but the changes did little to improve the team’s attacking rhythm in the opening hour.
Marcus Rashford looked lively down the left and forced Orlando Mosquera into an early save, while Jude Bellingham was England’s brightest player, constantly trying to control Panama’s defence. However, the final ball still eluded the Europeans.
Panama remained compact, disciplined and dangerous on the counter. Jose Rodriguez almost punished England midway through the first half before Jordan Pickford made a sharp save to preserve parity.
England’s attacking play soon became predictable. Rashford often held onto the ball for too long, Bukayo Saka found himself isolated on the opposite flank and Harry Kane struggled to influence management in the penalty area.
Frustration mounted as Rashford headed wide from close range, Elliot Anderson tested Mosquera from distance and another Rashford free-kick drifted just before the break.
England continued after the break with more urgency but a little more creativity. Kane missed an opportunity from close range before Mosquera again denied him as Panama continued to frustrate Tuchel’s side.
The breakthrough finally came in the 62nd minute.
Saka’s corner fell enticingly into the crowded six-yard box where Bellingham, despite his marker struggling, managed to poke home from close range to finally ease the tension at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Five minutes later, the Real Madrid midfielder turned creator. Bellingham picked up the ball on the left and clipped a pinpoint cross into the area where Kane rose above his defender to power up his 11th World Cup goal for England, past Gary Lineker to become the tournament’s clear top scorer. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham combined for England’s second goal. (Image: Reuters)
A two-goal blow transformed the atmosphere as jittery England supporters finally found their voice and serenaded the team during a hydration break after spending most of the afternoon dreading another frustrating result.
TUCHEL’S REWARD
The performance was far from convincing, but Tuchel could care less about securing the one goal that mattered.
After criticism following England’s lackluster draw against Ghana, the German shuffled his starting XI, resting Declan Rice while giving opportunities to Morgan Rogers, Nico O’Reilly and Jarell Quansah. However, the same problems persisted as England monopolized possession without consistently threatening Panama’s organized defensive block.
What ultimately separated the sides was individual quality.
Bellingham again proved England’s difference-maker when he produced a crucial strike when the game looked destined for another nervy finish. Kane’s record goal then secured England a comfortable victory. Jude Bellingham was the difference for England against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.(Image: Reuters)
Late in the game, another milestone occurred when Jordan Henderson became the first England player to appear in four FIFA World Cups after coming off the bench.
CROATIAN REPRESENTATION
Croatia ensured they joined England in the knockout stages after beating Ghana 2-1 in their second Group L match.
Petar Sucic put Croatia ahead with a superb long-range strike before Derrick Luckassen equalized from a second-half spot-kick to briefly revive Ghana’s hopes of overcoming Zlatko Dalic’s side.
However, with seven minutes remaining, Luka Modric’s corner found Nikola Vlasic, whose header restored Croatia’s advantage and sealed second place in the group.
Croatia finished six points behind England’s seven, while Ghana’s four points secured one of the top eight finishes in third place and extended their World Cup campaign despite the defeat.
For England, though, Saturday was less about style than substance. Tuchel’s side may still have questions to answer ahead of the knockout rounds, but thanks to Bellingham’s influence and Kane’s record-breaking finish, they achieved exactly what they set out to do by finishing top of Group L.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
Jun 28, 2026 05:46 IST