PanamavsEngland

Result

England rotated heavily but still had far too much for a winless Panama, securing top spot in Group L. Jude Bellingham volleyed in Bukayo Saka's corner just after the hour, and Harry Kane headed a second four minutes later — a goal that moved him clear as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer. Panama, who failed to score in any of their three matches, finish bottom and exit.

Panama 5-4-14-1-4-1 England

Panama

England

Jude Bellingham62'

Harry Kane67'

José Fajardo53'

Jarell Quansah60'

Andrés Andrade84'

33%Possession67%

13Shots17

2On target6

4Saves2

3Corners7

202Passes completed490

75%Pass accuracy88%

16Tackles18

14Touches in box39

Substitutions

José Fajardofor Tomás Rodríguezat 45'

Djed Spencefor Jarell Quansahat 63'

Ismael Díazfor Édgar Yoel Bárcenasat 71'

Noni Maduekefor Bukayo Sakaat 63'

Azarias Londoñofor José Luis Rodríguezat 71'

Eberechi Ezefor Jude Bellinghamat 71'

Alberto Quinterofor Carlos Harveyat 88'

Jordan Hendersonfor Elliot Andersonat 84'

Éric Davisfor Jorge Gutiérrezat 88'

Ollie Watkinsfor Harry Kaneat 84'

At this Stage

England top Group L at seven points, unbeaten, with the record to match — Harry Kane's header against Panama made him England's all-time leading World Cup scorer in the same breath as it helped seal first place. Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana takes second on six points, completing the recovery from their opening 4-2 loss to England. Ghana's four points — a win over Panama, the stubborn goalless draw with England, a narrow final defeat — leave them third and in the best-third waiting room, where other groups' results will decide whether their tournament continues. Panama finish bottom with three defeats and not one goal scored all campaign, the group's hardest-luck story and its emptiest column at once. Group L ends in order, then: England made sure of top spot while rotating, which tells you most of what the group learned about them.

Group L

Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
England	3	2	1	0	+4	7
Croatia	3	2	0	1	+0	6
Ghana	3	1	1	1	+0	4
Panama	3	0	0	3	-4	0

Top two (above the accent line) advance to the round of 32; the third-placed team is in the race for one of the eight best-third spots.

What we know now

What I said beforehand

The preview, frozen at kickoff. Clearly dated, never rewritten — that's the deal that makes the predictions worth anything.

England to win and seal top spot. Thomas Tuchel's side lead Group L on four points after a frustrating 0-0 with Ghana, and a win over a winless, goalless Panama puts first place beyond doubt. With qualification all but assured England may rotate, but the gulf in quality — Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice against a Panama side that has yet to score — should still tell at MetLife. Panama need a heavy win and other results to have any hope and are realistically out. 2-0 England.

Both cases written 2026-06-26, before kickoff — they freeze into the record exactly as written, however the match goes. The percentages are mine, quoted to a decimal because false precision is funnier — the unclaimed 24% belongs to the draw.