Panama 0-2 England - 2026 World Cup and Player Ratings

Bellingham Stars as England Top Group L

Panama vs England wasn't a thrilling affair by any sense of the word, but a starring Jude Bellingham display was enough for Thomas Tuchel's side to finish on top of Group L after a 2-0 win.

In a game sorely lacking in quality opportunities, the Real Madrid star opened the scoring before assisting Harry Kane to ensure England's potential route through to the late stages of the World Cup will be made plenty easier.

Panama 0-2 England as it Happened

After Jose Rodriguez tested Jordan Pickford from a routine led after kick-off by Panama, it would be England with the first major chance of the game. Good play from Elliot Anderson saw the Man City-bound midfielder pick of Marcus Rashford on the left wing. A traditional cut inside his marker came before a powerful low shot, but it was well saved by Orlando Mosquera.

But Panama would send a warning shot of their presence in the fixture not long after the hydration break. Playing deep and looking to counter, Rodriguez again got free down the left-hand side behind Jarell Quansah. He looked to catch Pickford out with a strong near-post blast, but the Everton stalwart was alert to divert it away.

Halftime Score - Panama 0-0 England

In a game crying out for clear cut opportunities, Panama's steadfast five-back defence held an England side lacking in penetration away from any real chance to break in behind. One did fall well for Harry Kane, who had been largely absent throughout, but Mosquera flew away to his right-hand side to keep the opportunity out.

But just beyond the hour mark would lie the moment the Three Lions would finally hold their breakthrough. It came from a set-piece, a danger point for Thomas Tuchel at this tournament so far, as Bukayo Saka swung a dangerous ball into the area. Jorge Gutierrez's marking on Jude Bellingham wasn't good enough, and the Real Madrid star managed to get a vital contact on the delivery to guide an opener beyond Mosquera.

And England's patience would eventually prove to be a virtue as they grabbed their second of the evening, and Kane's third of the tournament thus far. Bellingham's creative powers were evident once again, as he latched onto a long ball in behind before standing his man up and picking the Bayern striker out in the middle of the box to head home emphatically.

The game petered out from there entirely. Panama still came through whenever they could with substitute Ismael Diaz flashing an effort wide, but England had done all they needed to do. They picked up a win that wasn't the prettiest or the most convincing, but substantial enough to see them top Group L.

Full-time Score - Panama 0-2 England

Panama Player Ratings

• Orlando Mosquera - 8

• Amir Murillo - 6

• Fidel Escobar - 7

• Jose Cordoba - 7

• Andres Andrade - 6

• Jorge Gutierrez - 5

• Yoel Barcenas - 6

• Carlos Harvey - 7

• Cristian Martinez - 6

• Jose Rodriguez - 7

• Tomas Rodriguez - 6

Substitutes

• Jose Fajardo (HT) - 5

• Azarias Londono - (63') - 5

• Ismael DIaz (63') - 7

• Eric Davis (88') - N/A

• Alberto Quintero (88') - N/A

England Player Ratings

• Jordan Pickford - 7

• Jarell Quansah - 5

• Ezri Konsa - 7

• Marc Guehi - 6

• Nico O'Reilly - 7

• Elliot Anderson - 6

• Jude Bellingham - 9

• Morgan Rogers - 7

• Bukayo Saka - 7

• Marcus Rashford - 6

• Harry Kane - 8

Substitutes

• Djed Spence (63') - 6

• Noni Madueke (63') - 6

• Eberechi Eze (70') - 5

• Ollie Watkins (85') - N/A

• Jordan Henderson (85') - Why is he here

Man of the Match - Jude Bellingham

ENGLAND BREAK THE DEADLOCK! 🔓

Jude Bellingham taps in from a corner... The Three Lions top the group as it stands pic.twitter.com/WVtY6x5Qbb

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2026

Of course.

England's talisman was their brightest spark even in the dullest-of-dull opening hour of the game, and was the scorer of the vital opener and the catalyst behind Kane's for the second. A strong display from one of England's most important players.