Jude Bellingham became the youngest England player to both score and assist in a FIFA World Cup match, leading the Three Lions to a 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday. The win secured top spot in Group L for England, who finished with seven points.
Bellingham's historic performance
The 22-year-old midfielder broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, reacting quickest to a corner and scoring with a clever near-post finish. Just six minutes later, he turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross for captain Harry Kane to power home a header. According to Opta Analyst, Bellingham is the youngest England player since records began in 1966 to both score and assist in a World Cup match.
Bellingham has now scored in two of his last three appearances for England, matching his total from his previous 18 international caps. His all-round display was central to England's attacking play throughout the match.
Kane becomes England's all-time World Cup top scorer
Harry Kane's goal was his 11th in the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Gary Lineker's previous record of 10. The goal also took Kane to 18 goals in major international tournaments for England, after he had earlier drawn level with Lineker by scoring twice in the 4-2 victory over Croatia.
England opened their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana. The victory over Panama ensured Thomas Tuchel's side finished top of Group L with seven points, while Croatia advanced in second place. Ghana ended third, and Panama exited the tournament without a goal or a point.
Match details
Panama frustrated England during a tightly contested first half that ended goalless. The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Bellingham scored from a corner. Six minutes later, his assist set up Kane's header. Panama thought they had pulled one back in stoppage time, but their effort was ruled out for offside.
