England’s path to the final is set after Panama’s win, but there could be a tough match in the last 16.
England’s path to the final looks much clearer after they topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey.
Thomas Tuchel’s team had a tough time getting the win, with both sides scoreless at halftime. In that first half, England didn’t create many clear chances—the closest was Marcus Rashford’s free-kick.
The second half started brighter—actually, it had to. Rashford hit the side netting, and Harry Kane forced a save from Panama’s keeper, Orlando Mosquera. Then, on 62 minutes, Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a sharp right-foot finish from a corner.
Just six minutes later, Kane became England’s all-time top World Cup scorer by heading in a perfect cross from Bellingham.
Panama thought they had pulled one back in injury time when Jose Farjado scored with a great shot to the top corner, but it was ruled offside.
One worry for Tuchel was seeing right-back Jarell Quansah get injured in the second half and be replaced by Djed Spence. With Reece James out for at least the round of 32 due to a hamstring issue, Spence is now England’s only experienced right-back.
Before the match, Tuchel’s team knew that winning the group would mean facing one of the third-placed teams from other groups in the round of 32. Current predictions say England will likely face Senegal, who finished third in Group H, but the official match won’t be confirmed until all groups finish tonight, as per FIFA’s rules.
England could also face Ecuador or the third-placed team from Group J (Algeria or Austria) or Group K (Portugal or DR Congo). BBC Sport’s Dale Johnson says if DR Congo beats Uzbekistan later, England will play them; if not, Senegal is the more likely opponent.
If England gets past the round of 32, the last 16 could be tricky—they might play co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.
In the quarters, Brazil is on the other side of England’s part of the draw. Brazil will meet Japan in their round of 32 match, while Ivory Coast and Norway are other possible quarter-final opponents for Tuchel’s side.
Reaching the semis could mean facing defending champions Argentina. Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, and Colombia are also in England’s section of the draw.
The final would include teams from the opposite side of the bracket, so England might face Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, or France. Co-hosts USA are also on that side, but their path looks tougher than it did earlier in the tournament.