Jude Bellingham sacked England to take them top of Group L. Harry Kane also surpassed Gary Lineker as the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer in a World Cup final with a 2-0 win over Panama.
After a sluggish start for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Brilliant Bellingham broke the deadlock with a hook finish from a corner kick in the 62nd minute. Playing deep in midfield, Bellingham was active from beginning to end, turning provider immediately after scoring and hitting captain Kane with his third header of the tournament.
England were far from their best throughout a rather rough first half, looking really restless and shaky defensively. However, they took control in the second period and perhaps could have won by more as the game stretched in the second half and their chances appeared.
But it wasn’t all good news as the England right-back’s curse struck again. Jarrell Quansah limped off with a muscular injury, leaving his availability for the remainder of the World Cup in serious doubt. That right-back spot is quickly becoming a big problem.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will travel to Atlanta on Wednesday to face either Senegal or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32. Before that, here is the player evaluation of John Cross at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
England player ratings
jordan pickford 6
There were some shaky moments in possession, but there were few problems.
Jarrell Quansah 6
England’s injury curse has struck again. There is another right back option under the pan. I got injured.
Ezri Konsa 6
The danger was well read, but perhaps England were too exposed to counter-attacks.
Marc Gehi 7
Stayed organized, read danger signs, and showed great calm. established his position.
England defender Marc Guehi (Image: AFP or licensor)
Nico O’Reilly 6
I couldn’t really criticize his performance from the left wing as he was positioned in midfield.
Elliot Anderson 6
He’s good in possession, he’s very organized, and he’s clearly growing as a player. Let’s see if £116 million is a reasonable amount.
Jude Bellingham 8 MOTM
When the time comes, people will come. He scored and also had an assist. England’s main player.
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates (Image: 2026 Anadolu)
Bukayozaka 7
There were some great moments and skills that paid off with an assist from a corner kick.
morgan rogers 6
It got better, but this proved there was only one winner on either side of Bellingham.
marcus rashford 7
He was much better than Gordon on the left. It was lively and dangerous. legitimate choice.
harry kane 7
Gary Lineker returned to the scoresheet and broke the World Cup goals record. big goal.
substitute
Maduke (Saka, 63 minutes) 6
Spence (Quansar, 63 minutes) 6
Eze (Bellingham, 71 minutes) 6
J Henderson (Anderson, 83 minutes)
Watkins (Kane, 83 minutes)
Subs not used: Byrne, Chalobah, Gordon, D. Henderson, Mainu, Rice, Stones, Toney, Trafford.
Panama: Mosquera 7; Murillo 6, Escobar 6, Cordoba 6, Andrade 6, Gutierrez 6. Martinez 6, Barcenas 7, Harvey 6, J. Rodriguez 6. T. Rodriguez 5 (Fajardo, 46, 6)
Referee: Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim
Man of the Match: Jude Bellingham – Only played 70 minutes, but was still arguably the best player on the pitch.
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