England are into the World Cup knockout rounds as group winners after Jude Bellingham’s masterful second-half display finally ground down Panama.
Thomas Tuchel went for it in New Jersey, making five changes to the starting lineup that drew 0-0 with Ghana, including first starts for Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford and Jarell Quansah.
And while the first half was another tough assignment for the Three Lions, after the break Bellingham turned in from Saka’s corner and then set up Harry Kane for his record-breaking 11th England World Cup goal to put Panama to bed.
Daily Mail Sport‘s Chief Football Reporter CRAIG HOPE was at the New York/New Jersey Stadium to give his verdict – and once you’ve read his ratings, you can give your own with our new tool at the bottom of this article.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham’s goals saw England top the group with a 2-0 win over Panama
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 6/10
A couple of palpitation-inducing kicks early on, in keeping with edginess of opening two games. But he settled down thereafter and did what he had to with little fuss. Will feel better for this.
Jarell Quansah – 5
Did OK, for a centre back out of position. But England lose so much by not having a specialist right back who can join the attack. His injury means it could be the last we see of him. Booked just before he went off.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Still looks a bit shaky in some key moments and was nearly gifted Panama a goal inside 10 seconds. He recovered after that and, when Panama attacked, he was there with blocks and headed clearances.
Marc Guehi – 7
One very timely intervention to prevent Panama running clear on goal and he now looks like England’s first choice at centre back after starting tournament on the bench. Stepped into midfield and tried to break the defensive lines with passing. Did well.
Marc Guehi looks like England’s first choice at centre back after starting tournament on the bench
Nico O’Reilly – 5
Moved into midfield from left back when England had the ball, but the tactic did not work. Didn’t show his attacking quality and game passed him by a little. Still, he should stay in team to build rhythm.
Elliot Anderson – 7
Stepped up early in the second half while others toiled and stamped his authority on midfield. Wound up the tempo with forward passes and made a couple of crunching tackles. So important to the way England need to play.
Jude Bellingham – 9
England’s moments man produced the moments they so badly needed with his goal and assist. Good to see him more involved in a deeper role and he created four chances with some lovely touches. Keep him at No 8. Star quality.
Bellingham wheels away after breaking the deadlock with his deft finish from Bukayo Saka’s corner
Bukayo Saka – 5
Saw a lot of the ball first half – but did little with it. Yes, he got into the Panama box and got a few shots away, but it was all way below his best. He is not moving with his usual conviction, but gets credit for his last contribution being his corner for the opening goal, before he went off.
Morgan Rogers – 6
He showed the cuteness England need at No 10 with couple of clever through balls but was let down by the execution of others. He went missing a little after that and, while the connections he made suggest he’s worth keeping in team, he needs to do more.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Looked in the mood early on and immediately drew a save after an incisive run. But his team-mates didn’t go to him enough and come the second half he’d lost his early confidence. One loose pass drew big groans, but he had the purpose to show he should remain in the starting lineup.
Harry Kane (captain) – 6
Got his goal to seal the win but wasn’t at his best. One touch in the box in the first half and no shots. After the brilliance of Croatia, he has faded in the last two in general play. Should have scored when put clear by Bellingham but his effort was a nice height for the Panama goalkeeper.
Kane scores his record-breaking 11th England World Cup goal to seal the win
SUBSTITUTES
Djed Spence (on for Jarell Quansah, 63min) – 6
Did what he had to as England saw the game out. He has looked decent defensively, and is now our Last Right Back Standing.
Noni Madueke (on for Bukayo Saka, 63) – 5
We’re still waiting for that one big moment to stamp his mark on this World Cup.
Eberechi Eze (on for Jude Bellingham, 71) – 5
Slotted into midfield to afford Bellingham a breather but was hardly involved.
Jordan Henderson (on for Elliot Anderson, 84) – 5
Became the first England player to appear at four World Cups.
Ollie Watkins (on for Harry Kane, 84) – 5
A lot of energy when brought on late on but unable to make a real impact.
Djed Spence did what he had to when he came on for the injured Jarell Quansah, and has looked decent defensively throughout this tournament
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 6
Made the right calls to replace his wingers and move Bellingham into midfield, but it needed an hour before clicking. Still issues for him to solve.
PANAMA (5-4-1)
Mosquera 6; Murillo 6.5, Escobar 6, Cordoba 5.5, Andrade 5, Gutierrez 5 (Davis 88min); Martinez 7, Harvey 6 (Quintero 88), Barcenas 5.5 (Diaz 72, 5), JL Rodriguez 6.5 (Londono 72, 5); T Rodriguez 5 (Fajardo 46, 5.5). Booked: Fajardo, Andrade.
Manager: Thomas Christiansen – 6
REFEREE
Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar) – 6
Hardly noticed him, and that is what all good referees want! Dealt well with Panama’s niggly tactics.
