England advances as group winner to the World Cup Round of 16 and overtakes a record holder with Kane

Kane overtakes Lineker

Just five minutes later, Kane headed home a cross from the former BVB star to make it 2-0. With this goal, the centre-forward moved past former professional Gary Lineker – who had scored ten World Cup goals – in England's all-time World Cup scoring list. In the first half, though, his teammates' crosses had not yet found the captain.

England struggled in the first half against Panama's compact defensive block. Panama were initially even the more dangerous side and created a clear chance in the 26th minute when a shot from the left-half-space forced a save from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The attacker, whose name appears only as "attacker" in the match facts, failed to convert with a powerful strike. After the break, Panama had another opportunity through Rodriguez, who hammered the ball over the English goal (57'). At the other end, Kane was first denied by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera (58').

Tuchel between England and Germany

National team coach Julian Nagelsmann and the DFB side were described by Tuchel after the match as "top." The 52-year-old former Bundesliga coach said he does follow the German team, but stressed: "But my heart beats for the England team at this World Cup; that's where my focus is." Of his young squad he said: "They find their own solutions. If there's one thing they don't need, it's my advice."

Germany had laboured to a 1-2 defeat against Ecuador in their previous outing and, having won the group, face Paraguay on Monday (22:30 CEST) in Foxborough. England meet a yet-to-be-determined opponent from the parallel group in the Round of 16.

Panama's courageous display

Looking at the England side, Tuchel highlighted the quality and maturity of the squad. The blend of experienced figures like Kane and young top players like Bellingham made the difference as England turned a tight first half into a clear win.

For Kane it was not only a special evening because of the record. The striker, who had already found the net in the previous group matches, extended his tournament tally further. In the build-up to his headed goal he also showed his attacking strength and timing in the box.

The Panamanians bowed out of the tournament with a courageous performance after their group-stage elimination. Particularly in the first half they put the English under pressure with quick counter-attacks and, with better finishing, could have taken the lead.

England, regarded as one of the title favourites, showed after their second-half improvement a form that offers hope of further runs in the tournament. In the Round of 16, Tuchel's side now faces a new challenge.