England top Group L with 2-0 win over Panama

England beat Panama 2-0 in the final round of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to finish top of the group and reach the last 32. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, England turned a frustrating first half into three points with two second-half goals.

Unable to convert their possession in the first half, England struggled against Panama's disciplined defense and went in goalless at the break. Thomas Tuchel's side stepped up the pressure after the restart and eventually made the breakthrough.

The goal in the 62nd minute was created by Bukayo Saka, making his first start of the tournament. Jude Bellingham met Saka's assist to put England 1-0 ahead. Shortly after his assist, Saka was withdrawn in the 63rd minute for Noni Madueke. England doubled their lead in the 67th minute, with captain Harry Kane turning home Bellingham's pass to make it 2-0. Kane, closely watching the Golden Boot race, added another goal to his tally.

In full control after the second goal, England kept the tempo through their substitutions and looked comfortable. Panama offered little going forward and finished the game without scoring.

The statistics clearly underline England's superiority. England led possession with 67%, the shot count 17-13 and expected goals (xG) 1.49 to 0.67. The big-chance count read 4-0 in England's favor, while the 39-13 gulf in touches inside the opposition box also reflected the imbalance.

After the match, officiated by Qatar's Abdulrahman Al Jassim, England finished top of Group L and advanced to the last 32. Having beaten Croatia in their opener and drawn with Ghana, England closed out the group by beating Panama to reach their goal. Eliminated Panama, meanwhile, ended their first World Cup campaign without a point from three games.

For England, the next stop is the last 32 once the bracket is set; Tuchel's side will look to press on at the tournament.

Image: BBC Sport