Bellingham breaks deadlock and sets up Kane's record goal to rescue England against Panama

Jude Bellingham rescued England once again, scoring to break the deadlock and crossing for Harry Kane to net his 11th World Cup goal — surpassing Gary Lineker’s long-standing record — as England edged past Panama at the MetLife Stadium to top Group L.

For long stretches it had been a frustrating evening. Thomas Tuchel made five changes to his outfield lineup, handing starts to Jarell Quansah, Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, but England struggled to find a way through a disciplined Panama low block. Rashford forced an early save from keeper Orlando Mosquera and Saka was lively on the right, yet clear-cut chances were scarce and Panama looked threatening on the counter-attack.

The mood was growing anxious — comparisons to England’s laboured display against Ghana were being drawn — when Bellingham took matters into his own hands. He broke the deadlock himself, then delivered the cross that Kane converted to move past Lineker’s tally of ten World Cup goals and write his name into England’s record books.

Tuchel acknowledged there is no simple formula for breaking down a side defending so deep, but the result was ultimately enough. England finish top of Group L and will face their last-16 opponents in Atlanta, where Tuchel will hope for a sharper attacking display.

Bellingham’s influence was the defining thread of the night. The Real Madrid midfielder — who famously said “who else?” after his extra-time winner against Slovakia at Euro 2024 — again proved he is the player England turn to when the game demands a decisive intervention. Whether the rest of the squad can match his level as the knockout rounds begin remains the pressing question for Tuchel.