England 2-0 Panama 2026 FIFA World Cup Review - Relief

You feared the worst as we approached the hour mark and the score stuck at 0-0 didn't you? England once again struggling against a low block team, the worst case scenario of them drawing again, losing top spot to Croatia and going in the bracket of death which contains Spain, France, Germany and probably Portugal. But they found the quality needed to get the job done and ensure they on the 'right side' of the knockouts. Here is my review of their win over Panama:

Job Done

It wasn't done with much style or panache. But they got the job done and qualified top, which was the minimum they would have expected from the group games. The win against Croatia was fun, the draw against Ghana tedious and the win over Panama tonight functional. But, they did what they needed to do, just about.

More Questions than Answers

Let's not pretend that this win calms all the fears that were raised during the first 2 games. There is still a lack of control in midfield, the defence still looks wide open and there are still concerns about the creativity and spark upfront, especially from the wide areas. How much different will the test from DR Congo/Senegal prove to be from the ones presented by Ghana and Panama?

Again, this was a functional performance and one that will ease some of the pressure on the group.

Big Players Step Up

England need their best players to play like their best players. Today, they got just that from Bellingham and Kane. Bellingham poached a sneaky finish from a corner and then he set up Kane with a lovely cross that Kane was never going to pass up. They've gotten England through this group, but they will need some help from the other attackers in the squad who quite frankly haven't shown up as yet.

Be better

One thing is for certain, they will need to be a lot better than what they showed tonight and against Ghana. There has been a level of intensity and quality missing from their play, lots of kinks to iron out. There have been positives for sure. Given they were worthy winners agsinst Croatia and in this game, plus they should have beaten Ghana but for O'Reilly's header being a fun inches lower and Kane actually burying the rebound.

But now the focus now switches to the serious business of the knockouts, with DR Congo first up. This is where their tournament really begins and story of their World Cup will be written. Bring it on.

Referee Rating - 6

Picky with a few fouls, but on the whole not terrible.

Management Rating - 6

Mixed up it by starting both Rogers and Bellingham, plus making changes in other spots. It led to mixed results. Their biggest concern will of course be the injury to Quansah. Another injury in a spot where they are already down 2 players. Not good.

Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford - 6

A bit Hollywood at times, but he made a couple of saves and was solid for the most part. Back to back clean sheets will do his confidence some good, as will the fact they've not conceded a goal in 2 1/2 games of football.

Jarrell Quansah - 6

I thought he was ok, but clearly not a full back. His injury is a big worry as it's one they can ill afford with Reece James out with a hamstring issue.

Ezri Konsa - 6

Solid, but looks a level below Guehi. But then, I suppose there is a reason Guehi plays for Man City and Konsa Aston Villa. Not convinced by him when the tougher tests come.

Marc Guehi - 7

Yes, it's Panama, but I thought he was excellent in all aspects of his defending tonight. Still trying to build chemisty with those around him, but on the whole he was decent.

Nico O'Reilly - 6

Made one late run into the box, but I wish he'd overlap more with Rashford and help build attacks from wide areas. Didn't have a lot of chance to show his attacking talents.

Elliott Anderson - 7

The soon to be Man City man was good in the deep lying play maker role. But again, against the better teams, will he get run around? Does he need Rice alongside him?

Morgan Rogers - 5

Another appearance where I wasn't very impressed. Is he struggling in Bellingham's shadow to find a role for himself? He doesn't look at it at all, which is a worry.

Jude Bellingham - 8 MOTM

Not in the game as much in the first half, but he stepped up with a goal and assist in the 2nd. He put the team on his back once again and has massively helped them through the group. They'll need him just as much in what is hopefully the next 4-5 games.

Marcus Rashford - 5

I can see why Barcelona aren't entirely convinced to sign him. He was poor tonight. His dribbling was particularly bad and he lacked any end product. He should start on Wednesday, but he needs to be a lot better.

Harry Kane - 6

He got his goal, but I was frustrated by his constant desire to drop out of the front line and move into a deeper role. Are the management incapable of making him stay high up the pitch?

Buyako Saka - 5

Like all the other England wingers, he achieved little. Yes, against the better sides who won't double or triple up on him, he might have more joy, but he didn't manage much before coming off.

Subs:

Noni Madueke - 5

A bit better than the previous 2, his neat run in behind almost got him a much needed goal. Against tiring defences he might be an asset off the bench, although I'm not convinced by him still.

Djed Spence - 5

Lively going forward, but suspect defensively. How is it that we've ended up with him likely being their starting RB in the knockout stages of a World Cup?

Eberechi Eze - 5

Added little when he came on, his passing wasn't great as he tried to pick holes in the tiring Panama back line.

Jordan Henderson - N/A

Fair play to him for appearances at 7 major tournaments, although this felt a bit like James Milner's Premier League appearance record. A bit misleading.

Ollie Watkins - N/A

Why it's taken until the last 7 minutes of game 3 to see him, I don't know. He would have been on immediately after Kane's goal for me personally. I think he has a role to play in the coming game(s).

Overall Verdict

They did what they needed to do. It will settle some nerves, but only temporarily. As I said above, they will need to be much much better when the play on Wednesday, regardless of the opponent. But, they are on the favourable side of the draw. There is no reason why they can't beat Senegal/DR Congo. Or Mexico/Ecuador. Or Brazil/Norway. Or heck, even Argentina. Their path to at least the semi-finals is very favourable. They can't let this chance slip away.