England laboured to a 2-0 victory over Panama in their final group match, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane combining to break a goalless deadlock after a turgid first hour. The performance did little to silence critics, as Thomas Tuchel's side failed to impress for a third consecutive half of football without a goal.
Bellingham, who scored and assisted Kane, acknowledged the team must improve. "We'll see, hopefully," he shrugged when asked by ITV's Gabriel Clarke if England would step up in the knockout stage. Tuchel defended his players, saying: "These players are used to these moments. We will step up. The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get."
Clarke Resigns After Contract Reversal
In a dramatic turn, Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland manager just weeks after signing a four-year contract extension through 2030. On 28 May, Clarke had said: "It's very important to look ahead and plan for the future … it is a privilege to continue in this role." Yet on 27 June, he stepped down, stating: "The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players … Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor."
Clarke's departure leaves Scotland searching for a new boss after their World Cup exit. The GWC mixed zone's least popular man accepted he was not best placed to lead the nation forward.
Knockout Draw Opens for England
England's side of the bracket has opened up, with only Argentina (FIFA No 1) and Brazil (No 6) standing between them and the final. The other seven top-10 teams are on the opposite side. However, England have struggled against Ghana (world No 73) and Panama (No 34), raising doubts about their form.
The round of 32 begins with South Africa vs Canada in Los Angeles, 15 hours after the final group matches. England face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta in four days. Tuchel will monitor his right-backs closely after injuries to Tino Livramento, Reece James, and Jarell Quansah.
Other Tournament Notes
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo struggled against Colombia and were placed on the tougher side of the draw with Spain, France, Germany, and the USA. The Football Daily letters section humorously noted Ronaldo's walking pace as akin to walking football.
