England v Panama – World Cup result as Harry Kane becomes England's top scorer at finals to help Jude Bellingham-inspired Three Lions win Group L

Harry Kane became England's all-time top goalscorer at a World Cup finals as the Three Lions booked their place in the last 32 of the 2026 tournament with a 2-0 win over battling Panama in New Jersey.

After a nervy first half in which their pointless opponents, who finished bottom of Group L without scoring a goal, tested the resolve of Thomas Tuchel's side on the counter-attack, it was left to their prolific captain and an inspired Jude Bellingham to assume centre stage.

Bellingham looked in peak form throughout the evening and grabbed the vital opener on 62 minutes when he prodded Bukayo Saka's corner into the net on 62 minutes.

It eased the tension among England fans with news coming through from Philadelphia that Croatia led Ghana 1-0 at half-time, a match they would win 2-1 to finish second in the section, a point behind England.

And Real Madrid playmaker Bellingham played provider for Kane with a majestic cross to nod home the clincher on 67 minutes to secure a match with Senegal or DR Congo at 17:00 on Wednesday in Atlanta.

The major issue for England seemed to be getting caught on the break several times.

And Panama, who became the first side to fail to score at the finals in 16 years, were only denied a late consolation goal in added time when Jose Fajardo finished with a superb effort only for VAR to rule it off with his knee just offside.

As it was, Kane moved onto 11 goals at the finals for the national side, one ahead of Gary Lineker (10) with Sir Geoff Hurst on five and Sir Bobby Charlton, Michael Owen and Marcus Rashford all on four.

"First job achieved," said Bellingham on ITV. "We came here to do it in sections, and we got through the pre-games well. We achieved the first job.

"We got through the group and won it.

"We know what level we are at and what we want to achieve, and we did in the second half. Every day we have to try to improve.

"It is up to us to do that."

Bellingham also praised Harry Kane and said: "He continues to raise his level, and it is incredible. It's everything he deserves.

"You see the effort he puts in as captain and how he leads us. His quality speaks for itself, he is the best."

England manager Thomas Tuchel said: "The tournament starts again now in the knockouts.

"Now we collect our strengths and energy and build on what we have. We have the team spirit, fighting and belief. We will step up. The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get.

"Three days, then the next match in four days. It's not a problem, we love that and are good at that."

Looks like Senegal or DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta at 5pm on Wednesday for the Three Lions. Meanwhile, Wonderwall by Oasis is being blared out by the England supporters. And Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane came up with the big moments tonight for Thomas Tuchel's side.

England progress to the round of 32 with a 2-0 win and they finish on top of Group L. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane with the goals in the second half as Three Lions is dusted down for the England fans. Not a classic performance, but they get the job done. And they are moving on at this World Cup.

Jose Fajardo almost getting his head to a loose ball at one end before Eze sees a finish deflect wide at the other. Almost time up.

But it is going to be ruled out for offside. Phew! That is a relief for England, whose rearguard has not been the best tonight. Jose Fajardo with a super finish. Inches offside.

On another night, they might have scored, but this is not another night. Alberto Quintero and Eric Davis are on with Carlos Harvey and Jorge Gutierrez off the pitch. Six minutes added.

But Rashford just can't convert at the back stick when it looked easier to score for the Three Lions. Noni Madueke with the delivery. Meanwhile, Croatia now lead Ghana 2-1 and are on course to finish second.

Jordan Henderson and Ollie Watkins arrive for England with Harry Kane and Elliot Anderson both rested for the closing moments of this second half.

Andrade looked like he was gasping for air as he hauls Rogers back with England looking to hit on the break for a third goal.

One clear of Gary Lineker on 10 with Sir Geoff Hurst on five and Sir Bobby Charlton, Michael Owen and Marcus Rashford all on four. A proper golden generation right there.

Not sure that it is going to matter now, but good news for England as they move two points clear of Ghana with Croatia set to finish third. Meanwhile, Scotland will now be officially put out of their misery. They can head for home whenever they like.

It must be said, that England defence could easily have been breached a few times and surely will do against better opponents. Ismael Diaz with a couple of efforts. Heads over then wallops the ball into the side netting under pressure.

A brilliant performance from him this evening. Eberechi Eze is on for England while Yoel Barcenas and Jose Luis Rodriguez depart to be replaced by Ismael Diaz and Azarias Londono.

No matter. England fans enjoying their night out all of a sudden. Living On A Prayer being given an airing, but England don't need a prayer now. Looks a done deal.

Surely game, set and match now. Bellingham with the cross, Kane with the headed finish and Three Lions are heading for Atlanta for a last-32 match with DR Congo or Senegal.