England arrive in Philadelphia having already qualified — but Gareth Southgate's successor (Thomas Tuchel, in his first World Cup with the Three Lions) wants top spot in Group L. Panama, heroically organised and devastatingly spirited, know their World Cup is almost certainly over. What they want now is a performance for the ages — and the respect of the footballing world.
The atmosphere will be electric. Philadelphia has a loud English contingent. And Panama will not make this easy.
Even in rotation, England's firepower is extraordinary. Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Kobbie Mainoo — the bench players for England would start for half the teams in this tournament. Tuchel plays a 4-2-3-1 with intensity and directness.
A low block, disciplined shape, and set-piece threat are Panama's weapons. They've competed well in this group and coach Thomas Christiansen has them organised. But against England's depth, they will need to be perfect to keep it close.
England are clinical from the start. Harry Kane — still starting despite rotation around him — puts England ahead after 21 minutes with a penalty after a foul on Bowen. Eberechi Eze doubles the lead before half-time with a characteristic cut-inside and curl into the far corner.
Panama fight with everything they have in the second half. Anibal Godoy wins headers, breaks up play. But England are too good. Kobbie Mainoo adds a third on 68 minutes following an Eze assist. Final: England 3–0 Panama. The Three Lions top Group L. The tournament begins in earnest.
World Cup all-time leading scorer? The conversation is getting very serious.
Cuts in from the left, sells the fullback, curls it top right. Trademark.
A box-to-box run finished clinically. Mainoo in the right team, at the right moment.
The Arsenal man is England's most exciting player when given freedom. With Bellingham rested, Eze is the architect — and he always delivers on the big stage.