England have progressed to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup as Group L winners after a 2-0 victory over Panama, but pundits have warned that significant improvements are needed. The Three Lions topped the group with seven points, while Croatia advanced as runners-up following a 2-1 win against Ghana in Philadelphia. However, unconvincing displays against Ghana and Panama have raised concerns about the team's ability to compete against stronger opponents in the latter stages.
Neville calls for defensive solidity and Rice's return
Speaking on ITV, former England and Manchester United right-back Gary Neville highlighted areas that require attention. “Tuchel won't be walking off that pitch and thinking everything is perfect right now,” Neville said. “They've got to get together in the next four days, get Declan Rice back in the team, get the back four more solid. They cut through us a few times. They didn't have the quality to punish us, but we are going to have to step up.”
England dominated possession for long periods against both Ghana and Panama but struggled to break down stubborn defences. The breakthrough came just after the hour mark in East Rutherford, New Jersey, when Jude Bellingham opened the scoring. Harry Kane later doubled the lead with a historic goal, becoming England's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Gary Lineker.
Keane delivers scathing verdict on Tuchel's selection
Roy Keane, Neville's former Manchester United teammate and fellow ITV pundit, was far more critical. “I still don't think Tuchel has a clue what his best XI is. He's done a lot of chopping and changing. That's not good,” Keane said. “It wasn't pretty, far from it. England's top players eventually turned up in the second half in Bellingham and Kane. They're huge players for them, that's what you want in these tight games.”
Tuchel made several changes to the side that was held by Ghana. Declan Rice was rested after being seen with strapping on his calf following matchday two, with Bellingham moving into a double pivot alongside Manchester City-bound Elliot Anderson. Morgan Rogers operated as the number 10 behind Kane. Jarell Quansah replaced the injured Reece James at right-back but suffered his own injury, forcing Tuchel to bring on Djed Spence, who was later benched in favour of Nico O'Reilly. Ezri Konsa was recalled over John Stones, while Marc Guehi retained his place. On the wings, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka started ahead of Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon.
England's path forward in the knockout stages
England will now face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the round of 16. With tougher matches ahead, Tuchel will need to address the issues raised by Neville and Keane, particularly defensive organisation and consistency in selection. The return of Rice will be crucial, as his absence was felt in midfield. The Three Lions will hope to build on their second-half performances against Panama and Ghana, where individual quality from Bellingham and Kane proved decisive.
