World Cup 2026: England battle past Panama to seal top spot, Croatia reach knockouts
England laboured to a 2-0 win over Panama to top Group L, while Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 to claim second place and qualify for the knockout stage.
Jude Bellingham scored one goal and set up another as England secured their place in the World Cup knockout rounds as group winners with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey on Saturday. Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute at a rainswept MetLife Stadium, then provided the cross for Harry Kane to double the lead minutes later, ensuring England finished top of Group L. Prior to Bellingham's intervention, England had looked lacklustre following their 0-0 draw with Ghana in the second group game.
Kane's third goal of the tournament, after his brace in the opening 4-2 win over Croatia, moved him past Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals. England ended the group stage with seven points from three matches.
Croatia secured second place in the group with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia, with Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scoring. Ghana finished third. Panama lost all three matches without scoring a goal and remain without a World Cup point.
England will next face one of the best third-placed teams in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1. Avoiding a potential clash with Spain in the last 16 was a key benefit of topping the group.
