England recorded their biggest ever win at an international tournament this afternoon by thrashing Panama 6-1 in Novgorod.
Gareth Southgate’s side flew out of the traps, with John Stones opening the scoring with a fine header from Kieran Trippier’s corner only eight minutes in.
And England’s lead was doubled after 22 minutes, Harry Kane slamming home a penalty after Jesse Lingard was bundled over in the Panama box.
Lingard scored a well deserved goal 14 minutes later, bending home from outside the box for a magical third goal for the Three Lions.
John Stones scored his second of the game after 40 minutes, before Harry Kane added his second – another penalty to make it 5-0 going into half-time.
Kane scored his hat-trick early in the second, taking him to the top of the World Cup scoring charts, thanks to a fortunate deflection from Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s effort, before Panama’s Felipe Boloy added a consolation for the North Americans – their first ever World Cup goal.
What a win for the #ThreeLions – and we're through to the #WorldCup knockout stage with a game to spare! 👍 pic.twitter.com/4gv7HdfJh1
— England (@England) June 24, 2018
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford – 7
Un-tested mostly like he was against Tunisia, but reacted well when called upon. Will be furious to have conceded.
Kieren Trippier – 8.5
Brilliant getting forward, making dangerous runs in behind and providing excellent delivery from wide positions.
Kyle Walker – 7
Starting to look like a natural centre-half.
John Stones – 8
Occasionally sloppy in possession, however two goals was a brilliant contribution from defence, especially his first – a fine header to open the scoring.
Harry Maguire – 7
Solid at the back and a constant threat from set pieces. Played Baloy onside for Panama’s goal.
Ashley Young – 6.5
Quiet game for the Manchester United full-back.
Jordan Henderson – 8.5
Brilliant. Inventive. Composed. Will have eliminated all questions over his inclusion with yet another terrific display. Provided a brilliant ball for Harry Kane to help set-up England’s fourth.
Ruben-Loftus Cheek – 8
Big and powerful in the middle of the park, and more often than not chose the right pass when in space. Gives Southgate a big headache should Dele Alli be fit for Belgium.
Jesse Lingard – 9
Man of the Match. Won the penalty for England’s second, scored a brilliant third and heavily involved throughout with his energy and creativity behind the front two.
Raheem Sterling – 5
Will be extremely fortunate not to dropped for Thursday’s clash with Belgium. Let down by poor finishing once again.
Harry Kane – 8.5
Albeit a fortunate hat-trick, Kane is now the competition’s top scorer with five goals. Composed from the spot on both occasions.
Substitutes
Jamie Vardy – 5
Failed to get involved. great player, but England don’t play to his strengths.
Danny Rose – 6
Little time to get involved.
