England secured top place in Group 12 at the 2026 World Cup after defeating Panama on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, in the third and final round of the group stage.
England raised their tally to 7 points at the top of the group, with the identity of their Round of 32 opponent still to be determined from among the best third-placed teams, while Panama were eliminated from the tournament after suffering 3 defeats.
The Three Lions settled the match within five minutes through a brace from Jude Bellingham (62') and Harry Kane (67'), the latter writing a new chapter in history by standing alone as England's all-time World Cup top scorer with 11 goals, surpassing Gary Lineker's previous record of 10.
England dominated from the outset but lacked pace and effectiveness in the final third, while Panama succeeded in closing down space and appeared as an organised opponent throughout the first half, relying on counter-attacks that posed some danger to England's goal.
Marcus Rashford squandered more than one opportunity for England, most notably a shot pushed away by goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera and a header that flew over the crossbar. Panama's goalkeeper also denied another attempt, while José Rodríguez replied with a dangerous effort and Carlos Harvey missed the target from a difficult angle.
England's control continued in the second half, but the side again struggled to break through the Panamanian defence before Harry Kane missed a clear-cut chance in the 57th minute following a superb save by Mosquera, as the European side's attacking difficulties persisted.
Jude Bellingham cracked the Panamanian defence open in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a corner taken by Bukayo Saka to strike the ball into the net with his left foot, giving England the lead after sustained second-half dominance.
England continued to press after the goal, with Harry Kane adding the second in the 67th minute with a header from a precise cross by Bellingham.
Panama came close to scoring their first goal of the tournament in stoppage time through José Fajardo, but the referee disallowed the effort for offside. The match ended in an England victory, while Panama departed the tournament without a single point.