England 2-0 Panama: Three things we learned as Jude Bellingham inspires the Three Lions to victory | OneFootball

England claimed a 2-0 win over Panama in their final group-stage fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York-New Jersey Stadium on Saturday evening.

The result sees the Three Lions finish top of Group L, one point clear of second-placed Croatia.

Jude Bellingham is the man

There was uncertainty surrounding Bellingham’s place before the start of the tournament, but he once again demonstrated why he is crucial for the Three Lions.

In a dire first half, the Real Madrid man was head and shoulders above everyone. He glided past his markers magnificently, while not neglecting his defensive duties.

He scored the opening goal with a difficult volley and produced a brilliant cross for the second. Undoubtedly, the man-of-the-match.

Defensive frailties remain

Not many would have envisaged Panama causing the Three Lions’ trouble, but they ruffled the shoulders of Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The Canal Men took advantage of England’s poor defensive shape, particularly after turnovers in possession.

Tuchel has to fix his side’s defensive shape if they are to go deep in the tournament.

Issues arising at right-back

Tuchel named two injury-prone right-backs in his 26-man squad for the tournament— Reece James and Tino Livramento.

The latter got injured before the start of the tournament, while James picked up a hamstring injury before this clash.

Jarell Quansah, who replaced him for this encounter, was also substituted due to an injury, potentially leaving Tuchel with Djed Spence as the only right-back option ahead of the round of 32.

It also raises a question about Tuchel’s decision not to invite a right-back to replace Livramento, opting instead to select Trevoh Chalobah.