Jude Bellingham fired England to top spot in Group L as Harry Kane also became the Three Lions’ all-time record scorer at World Cup finals, surpassing Gary Lineker, in a 2-0 win over Panama.
Brilliant Bellingham broke the deadlock with a hooked finish from a corner on 62 minutes to shatter the tension after a stuttering opening hour from Thomas Tuchel’s men. Bellingham, playing deep in midfield, was here there and everywhere throughout and shortly after scoring he turned provider, teeing up captain Kane to head in his third of the tournament.
England were some way from their best throughout a rather turgid first half where they didn’t really settle and looked shaky defensively. But they took control in the second period and perhaps could have won by more as the game became stretched late on and chances went begging.
It wasn’t all good news though, as the England right-back curse struck again. Jarell Quansah hobbled off with a muscle injury, placing his involvement in the rest of the World Cup in serious doubt. That right-back spot is fast becoming a major problem.
Thomas Tuchel’s side now head to Atlanta on Wednesday where they’ll face Senegal or DR Congo in the Round of 32. Before then, here are John Cross’ player ratings from the New York/New Jersey Stadium…
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford 6
Some shaky moments in possession but was largely untroubled.
Jarell Quansah 6
England’s injury curse struck again. Another right back option down the pan. Went off hurt.
Ezri Konsa 6
Read the danger well but maybe England were exposed on the counter attack too often.
Marc Guehi 7
Tidied up, read the danger signs and showed a lot of composure. Has nailed his place.
Nico O’Reilly 6
Slotted into midfield and therefore you could not really criticise his output from the left.
Elliot Anderson 6
So good in possession, tidied up well and is clearly growing as a player. Let’s see if £116m is good value.
Jude Bellingham 8 MOTM
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. He scored and provided an assist. England’s main man.
Bukayo Saka 7
Nice moments and some skill which was then rewarded with an assist from a corner.
Morgan Rogers 6
Got better but this was proof that if it’s either or with Bellingham there is only one winner.
Marcus Rashford 7
He was so much better than Gordon down the left. Was lively and dangerous. Justified selection.
Harry Kane 7
Broke Gary Lineker’s World Cup goals record as he got back on the score sheet. Big goal.
Substitutes
Madueke (Saka, 63 mins) 6
Spence (Quansah, 63 mins) 6
Eze (Bellingham, 71 mins) 6
J Henderson (Anderson, 83 mins)
Watkins (Kane, 83 mins)
Subs Not Used: Burn, Chalobah, Gordon, D Henderson, Mainoo, 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 easily the best player on the pitch.
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