World Cup 2026 | England 2 - 0 Panama
Harry Kane became England's record World Cup goalscorer
The England captain helped his country recover from an unconvincing start to beat Panama and finish top of Group L.
Jude Bellingham finally broke the deadlock after 62 minutes before providing the cross for Kane to head home England's second from close range five minutes later.
It was the England captain's 11th World Cup goal, taking him clear of Gary Lineker as the country's leading scorer in the tournament.
England were below their best for long spells and again looked vulnerable defensively. They also suffered another injury setback when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, filling in for the injured Reece James, was forced off during the second half.
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Bellingham was England's driving force throughout and eventually made the breakthrough, turning home smartly from Bukayo Saka's corner.
He delivered an inviting cross for Kane to make more history with a simple close-range finish, his 82nd goal in 117 appearances for England.
As England saw out the victory, setting up a last-32 meeting with DR Congo in Atlanta, Jordan Henderson came off the bench to become the first England player to appear at four World Cups.
How important is the Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham?
Bellingham regularly drove forward in the first half alongside the recalled Morgan Rogers, although it often left Elliot Anderson isolated in midfield and England exposed to counter-attacks.
The gamble eventually paid off just after the hour when Bellingham stretched to reach the ball ahead of Panama's Jorge Gutierrez and steer his finish beyond goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
He then made another decisive contribution with the cross for Kane's goal, the Real Madrid midfielder rising to the occasion as he inspired England out of a flat display and secured top spot in the group.
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