Bellingham Inspires England to Top Group L

• Kane now Three Lions all-time Mundial goalscorer

Harry Kane became England’s all-time World Cup goalscorer but it was Jude Bellingham who inspired Thomas Tuchel’s side to top spot in Group L as he grabbed a goal and an assist to secure a 2-0 victory over Panama.

After a sluggish first half at MetLife Stadium, in which Panama caused England plenty of problems on the counter-attack, Bellingham took control of the game and proved to be the difference maker as he broke the deadlock with a smart finish (62) before teeing up Harry Kane (67) as he went out on his own as the Three Lions’ leading scorer at World Cups.

Bellingham’s performance impressed Sky Sports’ Gary Neville. “Bellingham is an absolute superstar and our best player in this game by a mile,” Neville said on ITV. “He is the one player who looks in-form, he looks fresh, he’s sharp and playing at the level you would expect.

While England, who were already guaranteed of a place in the knockout phase following Friday’s fixtures, dominated the ball in the first half, they struggled in the final third. With Croatia leading Ghana 1-0 and heading for top spot in the group, the pressure was on for Tuchel’s side to deliver after the break.

Not for the first time in his England career, it was Bellingham who delivered, poking home Bukayo Saka’s corner to find the breakthrough that was so desperately needed.

Bellingham then turned provider five minutes later as Kane headed home his inch perfect cross for his 11th World Cup goal to break Gary Lineker’s long-standing record as England sealed top spot to set what looks like a potential last-32 showdown with Senegal or DR Congo.