Kane Breaks England World Cup Scoring Record as Three Lions Beat

Despite already securing qualification, England struggled to break down Panama in the first half at New Jersey Stadium in New York, wasting several promising chances before Jude Bellingham and Kane found the net after the break.

England dominated possession from the opening whistle but lacked the finishing touch.

Their first effort on target came in the eighth minute when Marcus Rashford cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful strike, only for Panama goalkeeper Mosquera to make an excellent low save. From the resulting corner, Bukayo Saka was presented with another opportunity after the goalkeeper punched the ball clear, but his effort drifted wide.

Panama threatened in the 15th minute with a slick passing move that created space for Jose Luis Rodriguez. However, Bellingham tracked back brilliantly to block the shot and avert the danger.

Before the hydration break, Morgan Rogers combined well with Kane to set up Saka inside the penalty area, but a Panama defender made a timely block.

England appealed strongly for a penalty in the 38th minute after Saka went down inside the box, but the referee waved play on.

Moments later, Rashford was denied another clear opportunity as a defender cleared the ball before he could connect with a header.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Jordan Pickford's long pass found Kane outside the penalty area, where he was brought down to earn England a dangerous free-kick. Rashford stepped up but curled his effort narrowly wide of the post, leaving the teams level at the interval.

England resumed the second half with renewed intensity.

In the 52nd minute, Rashford delivered an excellent cross to Kane, but the striker could not get a clean shot away as Panama's defenders recovered to clear the danger.

Three minutes later, Rashford nearly broke the deadlock himself after capitalising on a midfield turnover and bursting into the box, but his powerful effort struck the side netting.

Panama almost punished England's wastefulness in the 57th minute when Jose Luis Rodriguez fired a fierce left-footed effort that flashed just over the crossbar after England lost possession in midfield.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute.

Bellingham won a corner with an energetic run into the box before England capitalised from the resulting set-piece. Saka delivered an inviting cross, and despite pressure from defenders, Bellingham twisted his body to volley the ball into the net for the opening goal.

England doubled their advantage five minutes later through Kane.

Bellingham again played a key role, beating his marker before reaching the byline and sending in a precise cross. Kane rose highest to head home, scoring his 11th World Cup goal and surpassing Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Panama thought they had pulled one back in the 89th minute when Jose Fajardo beat Pickford after racing onto a through ball, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Panama failed to find a way back into the contest as England comfortably saw out the match to claim a 2-0 victory, finishing top of the group with maximum confidence heading into the Round of 32.

MMR