England secured a vital win over Panama to advance from their World Cup group, with Thomas Tuchel’s side showing real quality in the second half.

The first half was a laboured affair from the Three Lions, much like their earlier performance against Ghana, with the team struggling to impose themselves.

Jordan Pickford earned a 7 rating after getting down sharply to deny José Luiz Rodríguez, showing sharp reflexes when England’s defence was briefly exposed on the counter.

Jarell Quansah came into the side for his first appearance at the competition after Reece James was ruled out through injury, starting at right-back.

The former Liverpool man had a decent enough game but was booked for serious foul play in the 60th minute before being forced off injured, with Djed Spence replacing him.

Marc Guehi was outstanding at centre-back, earning an 8 rating for an organised, composed, and dominant display that Tuchel’s coaching staff will have been delighted with.

The Manchester City defender led the backline with intelligence and kept Panama’s physical threat firmly under wraps, producing what many considered his best performance of the tournament.

Morgan Rogers started in place of the rested Declan Rice and did enough to justify Tuchel’s faith, covering ground effectively and helping England maintain their press throughout.

Elliot Anderson provided a steady platform in midfield alongside Rogers, and the freedom that duo gave Bellingham to roam forward proved absolutely decisive to the outcome.

Jude Bellingham was the undeniable match-winner, earning a 9 rating and the man of the match award after scoring to make it 1-0 before turning provider for England’s second.

The Real Madrid superstar became, at 22 years and 363 days, the youngest England player on record since 1966 to both score and assist in a World Cup match.

Marcus Rashford played a key role in the second goal, with his long ball freeing Bellingham to set up Harry Kane’s clinical header that doubled England’s lead.

Kane earned an 8 rating after converting brilliantly from close range, becoming England’s all-time leading scorer at World Cups in the process with that decisive finish.

Bukayo Saka improved in the second half after a quiet opening 45 minutes, combining slick interplay with direct running and showing exactly why his fitness is so important to England’s hopes.

With the group stage now complete, England will look to carry this momentum forward and build on what was an ultimately convincing victory over a stubborn Panama side.

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