Bellingham Scores and Assists as England Beats Panama 2-0

Jude Bellingham scored England’s opening goal and later delivered the cross for Harry Kane’s finish in a 2-0 victory over Panama that clinched top spot in Group L. The result leaves England on course for what sources describe as an easier knockout path after Croatia and Ghana also finished the group stage.

Bellingham produced four key passes, three successful dribbles and four tackles, statistics that topped the match. He converted a corner from Bukayo Saka in the 52nd minute after shrugging off frustration from an earlier challenge by Panama defender Jose Cordoba.

Kane then converted Bellingham’s low cross in the 68th minute, taking his World Cup goal tally to 11 and surpassing Gary Lineker’s England record.

The 22-year-old operated with freedom to drop deeper at times, allowing England to stretch Panama’s defense both through central runs and wide channels. Harry Kane told ITV Sport after the match that Bellingham “looks fit and sharp” and praised his ability to combine with and without the ball.

Gary Neville, also speaking on ITV Sport, highlighted Bellingham’s composure under pressure, noting the difficulty defenders face when the midfielder keeps his eye on the ball during physical duels.

Bellingham’s eight international goals have come in major tournaments, a pattern that continued with the strike against Panama. England had been held scoreless for 51 minutes before the breakthrough, a period during which Croatia led Ghana in the parallel fixture in Philadelphia. The win gives England three days to prepare for a round-of-16 match against DR Congo.