England beat Panama 2-0 to finish top of World Cup Group L as Scotland knocked out
England is up against Panama tonight in the final game before the knockout stage of the tournament
England has beat Panama 2-0 to finish the top of Group L while Scotland were knocked out of the World Cup.
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England finished top of Group L, with Croatia in second, Ghana in third and Panama in fourth.
Scotland’s departure from the 2026 World Cup was confirmed on Saturday night after Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile Harry Kane became England’s all-time World Cup goalscorer as Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame well-drilled Panama to progress to the knockout stage as group winners.
England were already guaranteed of a place in the knockout phase following Friday’s fixtures and wrapped up top spot in Group L with a 2-0 triumph that sets up a last-32 tie against a third-placed side on Wednesday.
Senegal or the Democratic Republic of Congo look set to be the opponents in Atlanta after a day when Jude Bellingham’s breakthrough was swiftly followed a smart header from captain Kane.
The 32-year-old scored a hat-trick when these sides met at this stage in 2018 and moved clear of Gary Lineker as England’s highest scoring player at a World Cup by nodding home his 11th goal.
Bigger tests are to follow and vast improvements are required if they are to return to MetLife Stadium for the final on July 19, but Tuchel’s men have successfully cleared the first hurdle.
Heartbreak for Scotland as World Cup dreams over
Scotland’s departure from the 2026 World Cup was confirmed on Saturday night after Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia.
Steve Clarke’s side mustered three points from nine in Group C, with a minus three goal difference but as expected it was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams who move through to the last-32 of the competition.
After losing 3-0 to Brazil in their final group game, the Scots needed a series of results to go in their favour, most of which did not.
By Saturday, Scotland required favourable outcomes in three group fixtures, the first of which was in Group L where Ghana had to beat Croatia by at least three goals.
Had Ghana done Scotland a favour, a draw between DR Congo and Uzbekistan would have suited Scotland in Group K, or an Uzbekistan win by no more than three goals.
If it came down to Group J, Scotland would have needed Austria to beat Algeria by two goals, or Algeria to win by four goals but almost inevitably, it was all academic and the Scots began packing their bags.
Panama's goal disallowed
Panama's Jose Fajardo manages to get the ball in the net - but it's disallowed.
The game is now into added time.
Current score makes England likely to play Senegal in knockout stage
As things currently stand, England will most likely play Senegal in the last 32.
This could change to the DR Congo if they beat Uzbekistan on Sunday.
Players switched as hydration break comes and goes
First scorer Jude Bellingham has been subbed off for Arsenal player Eberechi Eze
Harry Kane becomes England's all time top scorer
Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer is blaring through the stadium.
Harry Kane's goal has made him England's all-time World Cup top scorer.
He was level with Gary Lineker at 10 goals, but the latest score has pushed his total up to 11.
PAEngland scores again!
Harry Kane has brought England's goal count to 2-0 - virtually securing England's place at the top of the group
England score
Jude Bellingham has scored the first goal of the night!
Half time - at 0-0
It's half time, and neither side has scored yet.
Tonight's game has been reminiscent of England's match against Ghana.
Croatia’s goal against Ghana would put them top of the group if both half-time scores remain unchanged by the end of the game.
Thomas Tuchel will be looking to make changes for the second half.
Fans cheer on Three Lions as England battles against Panama
England fans in New York New Jersey stadium (Images via PA)
Bad news for Scotland as Croatia score against Ghana
Croatia has scored against Ghana in other Group L match - bringing the score to 1-0.
For Scotland that means they need Ghana to score 4 goals to stay in the tournament.
If things stay as they are, England would drop to second in the group.