England finally broke Panama’s stubborn resistance with two goals in five second-half minutes to secure a 2-0 victory and first place in Group L. Jude Bellingham poked home a Bukayo Saka corner from close range in the 62nd minute, and then turned provider, crossing for Harry Kane to head in his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker’s England record. The quickfire double, before 80,663 at MetLife Stadium, settled a contest that had threatened to frustrate Thomas Tuchel’s side after a goalless first half in which Panama’s deep 5-4-1 block smothered England’s star-studded attack.

Despite dominating possession and fielding Marcus Rashford and Saka from the start for the first time in the tournament, England created few clear openings before the interval. With Croatia leading Ghana in the concurrent fixture, the Three Lions briefly slipped to second in the live group standings, raising the urgency after the restart. Panama, already eliminated, remained disciplined and even threatened on the break through José Luis Rodríguez, whose effort forced a save from Jordan Pickford. England’s breakthrough came from a set-piece, Bellingham escaping his marker to stab home, before his lofted delivery allowed Kane to rise above the defence.

In Philadelphia, Croatia clinched second place with a 2-1 win over Ghana. Petar Sucic’s speculative 30-yard drive gave the 2018 runners-up a first-half lead. Ghana, already assured of progression, rallied after the break and levelled when Derrick Luckassen finished neatly in the 73rd minute. But Croatia responded almost immediately, Nikola Vlasic nodding in Luka Modric’s corner eight minutes from time to seal victory. Ghana’s four points were enough to send them through as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

England finished atop Group L on seven points and will face DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta. Croatia, on six points, meets Portugal, and Ghana draws Colombia. Panama exit without a point or a goal.