England progress to World Cup knock out stage with 2-0 win against Panama

England is favoured to do well in the World Cup 2026, primarily because it has improved in the big competitions, getting to the World Cup semi-final in 2018, the quarter-final in 2022 and the Euro final in 2024.

This time, the team managed by the German Thomas Tuchel have not impressed in the opening matches, and its performance against Ghana was pedestrian. It will now have to pick up the pace if it is going to challenge teams like France, Argentina, Brazil and Spain to raise the World Cup for the first time since 1966. 

It is said that England lacks creativity and the ability to unlock stubborn defences. Then there are those who say England leaves it to the second half to come alive, thus placing undue pressure on themselves. 

It took an hour before England was able to score against Panama, with Jude Bellingham getting ahead of his marker to slot the goal past the keeper from a corner.

Jude Bellingham carried the team on his back against Panama, tracking back, defending, and running into spaces. He was a dynamo, determined that the day would belong to England. 

Tuchel made the right decision not to play Declan Rice, who is on a yellow card and sustained an injury against Ghana. He will be required for the Round of 32 against the DR Congo. 

Jude Bellingham set up England’s second goal, a header by Harry Kane in the 67th  minute, his 11th for England at World Cups. Tuchel was unhappy that Kane keeps dropping deep and wants him in the box taking opportunities. 

Tuchel went with Marcus Rashford rather than Anthony Gordon, playing him on the left -wing for the full 90 minutes. For the most part, Rashford played well and made a case for the manager opting for him in the knockout stages. 

England must guard against an over-reliance on Kane and Bellingham. A team effort is needed, and others must contribute to the goals. 

The England coach has said that England will get better as the tournament progresses and that it remains on track to go all the way.

Jordon Henderson came on in the last 15 minutes with this marking his appearance at four World Cups. At 36 years old, Tuchel still fancies him and holds the midfielder in high regard.

Criticism has gained momentum on the issue of not bringing creative players Cole Palmer and Phil Foden to this World Cup. Tuchel has made it clear he is looking for a certain attitude and approach from players and that reputations will not guarantee selection. 

After the game, Tuchel said, “ This was a hard match, a difficult match against a physical team. Panama was the underdog, and we were the favourites. We tried to break them down. We gave the ball away too much in the first half. We were more disciplined, attacking-wise, in the second half. In the end, I think we deserved to win. There were a lot of positives. We did our job.”

England will have problems with the right back position, with two defenders already being injured in that spot. Reece James suffered yet another hamstring injury, and it is doubtful whether he will make the next game.

Thus far, England have been jittery and have not been entertaining. Going forward, it will have to play with greater verve and attacking dexterity. It has got the job done to head its group, but didn’t look great doing so.

It’s DR Congo up next this Wednesday in Atlanta for a place in the last sixteen.