England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey, but the scoreline belied a laborious first hour. Jude Bellingham poked England ahead from a corner in the 62nd minute and then turned provider for Harry Kane, whose header made him the country’s record World Cup goalscorer with 11.

For Thomas Tuchel’s side, the match reprised earlier difficulties: heavy possession and territorial control against a deep, well-drilled opponent yet little cutting edge. Marcus Rashford, starting for the first time this tournament, drew a sharp save from Orlando Mosquera and headed over, while Kane was thwarted from close range. Panama, already eliminated, threatened on the counter, and Jordan Pickford had to beat away a near-post drive from José Luis Rodríguez in the first half. Tuchel had made five changes, including resting Declan Rice, but the attacking rhythm remained stodgy until after the interval.

News from the concurrent match—Croatia’s opening goal against Ghana in Philadelphia—momentarily dropped England to second in the live standings, amplifying an undercurrent of anxiety. Bellingham’s intervention changed that. He held off his marker to force home Bukayo Saka’s corner, then drifted left to curl a cross that Kane headed powerfully beyond Mosquera. The captain’s 11th World Cup goal moved him clear of Gary Lineker’s long-standing mark. Panama had a late strike by José Fajardo ruled out for offside, ensuring their tournament ended without a point or a goal.

Croatia’s 2-1 win meant England finished on seven points, Croatia on six, and Ghana on four—all three advancing, Ghana as a best third-placed side. Goalkeeper Pickford, making his 15th World Cup appearance, now trails only Peter Shilton on England’s all-time list. England now travel to Atlanta to face a third-placed opponent from another group on July 1, eyeing a potential path that avoids the world champions for another round.