Bellingham Helps England Top Group at World Cup 2026
Jude Bellingham scores, assists Harry Kane, helping England beat Panama 2-0 to reach round of 32 as Group L winner at World Cup 2026.
After explosive second half to beat Croatia 4-2 in opener, England repeat familiar struggle, held by Ghana. "Three Lions" take 19 shots, fail to score - most in World Cup match for them in 24 years. Thomas Tuchel side control 78.9% possession, highest in World Cup history for scoreless team since 1966.
In contrast, Panama - though eliminated after two losses - impress with pragmatic play. Central American side defend deep, keep tight formation, concede only two goals. After first two rounds, matches involving Panama see only 32 shots total, lowest in tournament.
Jude Bellingham scores opener in England 2-0 win over Panama in final Group L match of World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on June 27, 2026. Photo: Reuters
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Compared to Ghana match, coach Thomas Tuchel makes five changes to starting lineup. Reece James misses out due to injury, Declan Rice rested. Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers get chances, while Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford start for first time.
Rashford is rare bright spot in dull first half for England. Man Utd forward creates three notable chances, first cutting inside from left to unleash low signature shot, forcing goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera to save in 7th minute. After cooling break, Rashford threatens again with header over bar from Elliot Anderson cross, before sending free kick wide in stoppage time.
Pressure relieved in second half by Jude Bellingham brilliance. In 62nd minute, from Bukayo Saka corner on left, Real Madrid midfielder, despite tight marking, reaches out left foot to finish at near post. Ball goes into corner, leaving goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera rooted to spot.
*Bellingham scores opener.
Five minutes later, Bellingham shines again. Receiving long pass on left, 22-year-old midfielder controls cleanly, stepovers twice, crosses accurately into box. Harry Kane positions perfectly, headers across goal to make it 2-0. Kane becomes England's top World Cup scorer in history (11 goals), breaking Gary Lineker record (10).
After claiming he did not deserve Man of Match award against Ghana, Bellingham leaves no doubt this time. Real Madrid midfielder is standout player with one goal, one assist, energetic display at both ends.
*Kane seals 2-0 win.
Winning 2-0 to top Group L, England avoid bracket with title contenders like Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands. In round of 32, Tuchel side face third-place team from Group I, J, or K - most likely Senegal or DR Congo - at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta on July 1.
If they progress, England face winner of Mexico vs third-place team from Group C or E in round of 16 in Mexico City on July 5. Overcoming that challenge, "Three Lions" meet Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast, or Norway in quarterfinals.
In other Group L match, Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 to finish second, facing Group K runner-up - Portugal or Colombia - in round of 32. Meanwhile, Ghana have four points, progress as one of eight best third-placed teams.
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Former star Paul Merson says England not fully exploit Jude Bellingham ability, urge teammates pass more ball to Real Madrid midfielder. 81
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Midfielder Jude Bellingham feels he not deserve best player award in England 0-0 draw against Ghana, round two Group L World Cup 2026. 34
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Coach Thomas Tuchel admit surprise as captain striker Harry Kane waste clear chance in England 0-0 Ghana draw, World Cup 2026. 34