England sealed top spot in Group L with a hard fought 2-0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, although the Three Lions had to work hard before finally breaking down a disciplined and resilient Panamanian side.
England entered the match with a strong record against CONCACAF opposition, having lost only once in World Cup history to a team from the region, a 1-0 defeat to the United States in 1950. Their only previous meeting with Panama came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where England recorded a dominant 6-1 victory.
Panama head coach Carlos Queiroz made three changes following the defeat to Croatia, bringing in Gutierrez, Escobar and Tomas Rodriguez for Ramos, Fajardo and Blackman. England manager Thomas Tuchel also rotated his squad after the draw against Ghana, with Jarell Quansah, Michael O’Reilly, Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford replacing the injured Reece James, Anthony Gordon, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Djed Spence.
England made a lively start and nearly went ahead in the eighth minute. Elliot Anderson released Rashford down the left before the winger cut inside and drove a low shot toward the bottom corner. Orlando Mosquera reacted brilliantly to push the effort behind.
Panama remained dangerous on the counterattack. In the 16th minute, Tomas Rodriguez held the ball up well before releasing Jose Luis Rodriguez into space. However, the forward’s heavy touch allowed Marc Guehi to recover and clear the danger.
The Central Americans threatened again after the cooling break in the 26th minute. Guehi’s misplaced header gifted possession to Panama, allowing Tomas Rodriguez to send Jose Luis Rodriguez through on goal. The winger drove into the area before forcing Jordan Pickford into an excellent save with a powerful left foot strike.
England continued to dominate possession but struggled to convert their pressure into goals. Rashford came close again in the 38th minute after Saka won back possession and Anderson delivered an inviting cross, but the Manchester United forward headed narrowly over the crossbar.
The teams went into half time level at 0-0. England controlled large spells of possession and created the better chances, yet Panama defended superbly and continued to threaten whenever they broke forward. Rashford almost found the breakthrough in first half stoppage time when his curling free kick drifted inches wide.
England knew only a victory would secure first place after Croatia led Ghana in the other Group L fixture. Harry Kane endured a quiet opening half and failed to register a shot before the break for the first time in seven World Cup appearances since England’s opening match at the 2022 tournament against Iran.
The pressure increased after the restart. In the 52nd minute, Rashford whipped a dangerous cross into the six yard box. Cordoba attempted to clear but his clearance struck teammate Andrade and fortunately bounced behind instead of into his own net.
Three minutes later, Rashford almost broke the deadlock himself. Michael O’Reilly won possession in midfield before sending the winger racing through on goal. Rashford drove into the penalty area but could only find the side netting with his left foot effort.
Kane finally had his first clear opportunity in the 57th minute. Jude Bellingham played the striker through on goal, but Mosquera produced another outstanding save to keep Panama level.
England finally found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute. Saka’s outswinging corner caused problems inside the penalty area before the ball dropped kindly for Bellingham, who hooked a composed left foot finish into the bottom corner to give England a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal extended England’s impressive record after scoring first at the World Cup. The Three Lions are now unbeaten in their last four World Cup matches when opening the scoring, a run dating back to their semi final defeat against Croatia in 2018.
Panama pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but England remained in control. Rashford almost added another goal in the 87th minute after Noni Madueke delivered an inviting cross to the back post. However, Rashford failed to make clean contact with his first time volley and sent the chance wide.
England eventually wrapped up the victory late on to secure a 2-0 win and finish as Group L winners. Croatia claimed second place after defeating Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia, while Ghana finished third and advanced as one of the best third placed teams. Panama exited the competition in fourth place.
The result means England progress to the Round of 32 as Group L winners, where they are set to face either DR Congo, if they qualify, or Senegal depending on the final third placed standings. After a patient and professional display, Tuchel’s side now turn their attention to the knockout rounds with growing confidence.
