Harry Kane became England’s record World Cup goalscorer as they recovered from an unconvincing start to overcome Panama and finish top of Group L.
Jude Bellingham broke a frustrating deadlock to put England ahead after 62 minutes, then crossed for Kane to double their advantage with a close-range header five minutes later.
It was the England captain’s 11th World Cup goal – taking him one ahead of Gary Lineker.
England were below-par for long periods and once more looked vulnerable at the back, suffering another injury blow when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, deputising for the injured Reece James, was forced off in the second half.
Bellingham was England’s outstanding driving force, making the breakthrough when he turned in a clever finish from Bukayo Saka’s corner.
He then turned creator with a perfect cross for Kane to rewrite England’s history books again with a routine finish, his 82nd goal in 117 appearances.
As England closed out the win, which means they will face either DR Congo or Senegal in the last 32 in Atlanta – barring an unlikely sequence of results – Jordan Henderson came on as substitute to become the first player to represent his country at four World Cups.
