England secures Group L win with second-half goals against Panama
28.06.2026
England defeated Panama 2-0 in their World Cup Group L match, with both goals coming in the second half. This victory secured England’s top spot in the group. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the goal scorers for England in the fixture played early on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
The match saw a somewhat subdued start from England, leading to concerns among fans after a previous goalless draw. However, Bellingham’s goal midway through the second half provided a crucial breakthrough.
Key Contributions from Bellingham and Kane
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for England, converting from a corner. His goal eased pressure on the team after a period where they struggled to find their rhythm. Bellingham’s influence extended beyond his goal, as he also played a significant role in England’s second score.
Just five minutes after his goal, Bellingham delivered a cross that found captain Harry Kane. Kane headed the ball into the net, marking his 11th World Cup goal. This achievement made Kane England’s all-time leading scorer in World Cups, surpassing the previous record held by Gary Lineker, who had 10.
England’s attacking players showed varying performances throughout the game. Marcus Rashford was noted as a bright spark in the attack and was unfortunate not to score, suggesting he should start the next match. Bukayo Saka, returning from injury, displayed energy but lacked a final product, with expectations for improvement as his fitness progresses. Morgan Rogers aimed to make an impact but often found himself on the periphery, needing to develop his understanding with Bellingham.
Kane, despite being anonymous in the first half, improved significantly after the break to secure his record-breaking goal. Substitutes like Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze also made appearances, with Eze appearing more comfortable than in a previous match against Ghana.
Defensive Performances and Panama’s Efforts
On the defensive end for England, Marc Guéhi was a standout, providing a solid presence that made the team look more secure. Ezri Konsa, while occasionally shaky in possession, is reportedly building an understanding with Guéhi. Jarell Quansah showed early nerves but settled down after a crucial tackle. Nico O’Reilly‘s defensive weaknesses were exposed, but his forward runs created problems for Panama.
Panama’s goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera, had a strong performance, making several excellent saves against efforts from Rashford and Kane. Defenders like Fidel Escobar, who reached a century of international caps, and José Córdoba were commanding presences at the back, making it difficult for England’s forwards.
Panama’s attacking players also posed some threats. José Luis Rodríguez was a constant danger on the counterattack, showcasing an impressive turn. Tomás Rodríguez could have scored early in the match and caused problems for England’s defense before being substituted at half-time. Amir Murillo struggled initially to contain Rashford but grew in confidence and had opportunities to score.
Midfielders like Cristian Martínez displayed clever play and tireless running, while Carlos Harvey made crucial tackles, focusing on limiting Elliot Anderson‘s time on the ball. Anderson, playing in central midfield for England, appeared isolated and did not deliver a performance reflecting his reported value.
Following this victory, England is set to play a third-placed team in the Round of 32.
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Source: theguardian.com
Ishaan Kapoor
Sports correspondent covering cricket, football and international competitions.