Panama 0-2 England: Kane Breaks World Cup Record as Three Lions Top Group L

England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as Group L winners after defeating Panama 2-0 in New Jersey, with Jude Bellingham inspiring the victory and Harry Kane becoming England's highest-scoring player in World Cup history.

After a frustrating first half that ended goalless, England found another gear after the break to secure all three points and finish top of the group with seven points.

Bellingham finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, stretching to convert Bukayo Saka's well-delivered corner after England had struggled to break down a disciplined Panama side.

Five minutes later, the Real Madrid midfielder turned provider, floating a precise cross into the penalty area for Kane, who headed home from close range in the 67th minute to double England's advantage.

The goal carried historic significance.

Kane's strike was his 11th World Cup goal, taking him past Gary Lineker's long-standing record of 10 to become England's most prolific scorer in World Cup history. It was also the captain's 82nd international goal in 117 appearances, further extending his remarkable goalscoring record for the Three Lions.

For much of the contest, Thomas Tuchel's side struggled to impose themselves against a Panama team already eliminated from the tournament.

England lacked creativity during long spells and had gone three consecutive World Cup halves without scoring before Bellingham produced the moment of quality that changed the match.

The 23-year-old midfielder was England's driving force throughout the contest, constantly carrying the ball forward, linking midfield with attack and creating problems for Panama's defence.

His goal settled England's nerves before his perfectly weighted cross allowed Kane to seal both the victory and his place in England's football history.

While the result secured qualification, England's performance exposed familiar defensive vulnerabilities that will concern head coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of the knockout rounds.

Despite being ranked 42nd in the FIFA World Rankings and already eliminated, Panama created several dangerous opportunities and registered 13 shots, repeatedly testing England's backline.

England also suffered another injury setback after defender Jarell Quansah, who started at right-back in place of the injured Reece James, was forced off during the second half.

The latest injury leaves Tuchel with fresh selection concerns as England prepare for tougher opposition in the knockout stage.

The victory ensured England finished top of Group L with seven points, setting up a Round of 32 meeting with DR Congo on Wednesday.

As England closed out the match, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson made history of his own, becoming the first England player to appear at four FIFA World Cups after coming on as a second-half substitute.

While England achieved their immediate objective by winning the group, their overall performance suggested significant improvement will be required if they are to mount a serious challenge for the World Cup title.

The result at the New York New Jersey Stadium, watched by a crowd of 80,663, sends England into the knockout phase with confidence but also with clear defensive questions still to answer.