England Finish Top of Group L With 2-0 Win Over Panama as Kane Breaks World Cup Scoring Record

style="font-size:England beat Panama 2-0 at New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday to finish top of Group L with seven points, with Harry Kane becoming England's all-time record scorer at a World Cup in the process. 

Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute before setting up Kane five minutes later, with the captain's close-range header taking him to 11 World Cup goals, one ahead of Gary Lineker. England will face DR Congo in the last 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday.

England were below par for long periods and once again looked shaky at the back, with Panama registering 13 shots against a side ranked far above them. The evening also brought another injury concern when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, already filling in for the injured Reece James, was forced off in the second half.

Bellingham was England's standout performer throughout, pushing forward with energy and purpose alongside the recalled Morgan Rogers. His breakthrough came when he stretched a leg around Panama's Jorge Gutierrez and forced a clever finish past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera from Bukayo Saka's corner. He then delivered a precise cross for Kane to head home and rewrite the record books, the captain's 82nd goal in 117 international appearances.

Panama, ranked 42nd in the world and already eliminated before kick-off, caused England far more trouble than their opponents would have liked. Tuchel will be well aware that sides of greater quality in the knockout rounds will punish the same defensive openings far more ruthlessly.

Jordan Henderson came on as a late substitute to become the first player ever to represent England at four World Cups.

England head into the last 32 having won their group but with clear room for improvement. Bellingham's quality papered over some significant cracks, and Tuchel faces a nervy wait on the fitness of both Quansah and Reece James ahead of the DR Congo tie.