England have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup as group winners after beating Panama 2-0 in their final group match. Thomas Tuchel made five changes to his team, with Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford starting out wide. With Declan Rice struggling with a knock, Jude Bellingham dropped into a deeper midfield role, while Morgan Rogers started ahead of him in the number 10 position. Reece James is set to miss the next two games, leaving a problem at right-back, with Jarell Quansah given the nod.
First Half Goalless, Bellingham Inspires Second-Half Improvement
After another goalless first half, Jude Bellingham was the inspiration behind a much-improved second-half performance. While England were expected to take care of business, Tuchel may have found answers to some big questions.
England Player Ratings (Out of 10)
Jordan Pickford – 6
Little to do but coped confidently with what Panama threw at him. Frustrated with the amount of chances his defence let through.
Jarell Quansah – 4
Called in to replace the injured Reece James, the Bayer Leverkusen defender did not look at home on the right of defence. Playing more like a right-sided centre-half than a full-back, there was no threat going forward. A couple of early moments of hesitation set the tone. If tonight was an audition to replace the Chelsea captain, it probably wasn't a success. Went off injured.
Ezri Konsa – 4
Gifted Panama a half-chance in the opening seconds. Like Quansah, looked uncomfortable dealing with the opposition's counter-attacking threat and was slow to regain composure after that early error.
Marc Guehi – 5
Kept his place after missing the opener against Croatia. Another clean sheet should keep him there after a mostly assured display.
Nico O'Reilly – 6
No complaints at the back and was a threat again in attacking positions.
Elliot Anderson – 4
Looked a little exposed on his own in that single pivot role and was easily bypassed by Panama in transitional moments in the first half. Missed Declan Rice next to him.
Jude Bellingham – 8
England's best player by a mile. Got through plenty of work in that deeper midfield role and popped up with a smart finish to ease the pressure with the opening goal. Created Harry Kane's second with a wonderful cross. Has been England's standout player three games in a row.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Involved in plenty in the first period and managed more shots on goal than Noni Madueke did in his 84 minutes against Ghana. Showed no signs of that Achilles injury but didn't do quite enough with the ball.
Morgan Rogers – 5
England lacked real innovation, and while it certainly wasn't all down to him, the man starting as number 10 has to accept some responsibility.
Marcus Rashford – 5
A similar story to Saka. Looked bright early on but struggled to find those real moments of class he is capable of. Even more wasteful in the second period.
Harry Kane – 6
A very quiet first half where he managed just one touch in the box, but got the goal he needed to become his country's all-time World Cup top scorer.
