XtraTime Web Desk: After a lackluster first half, England produced a commanding second-half performance to defeat Panama 2-0, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, sealing top spot in their FIFA World Cup group.

The match, played in rainy conditions at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, saw Panama put up a determined challenge from the opening whistle. Despite a strong turnout from England supporters that gave the stadium a Wembley-like atmosphere, neither side managed to create many clear-cut chances in the first half.

England captain Harry Kane endured a quiet opening 45 minutes, touching the ball just 10 times—the fewest of any player on the pitch.

England finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Bukayo Saka's corner found Jude Bellingham inside the penalty area, and despite pressure from Panama defenders, the midfielder produced a brilliant left-footed finish to put the Three Lions ahead. It was Bellingham's third World Cup goal and his second of the current tournament.

Just five minutes later, England doubled their advantage. Bellingham delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Kane rose highest to head the ball into the net. The goal marked Kane's 82nd in international football and his 11th in World Cup history, making him England's all-time leading World Cup scorer. He surpassed the previous record of 10 goals held by legendary striker Gary Lineker.

The victory secured England the top spot in the group with seven points from two wins and one draw. Finishing as group winners gives Thomas Tuchel's side a more favorable route in the knockout stage. They are expected to face either Senegal or Congo in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to meet either Mexico or Ecuador.

Had England finished second in the group, they could have faced Colombia or Portugal in the next round, with a potential path leading to difficult encounters against Spain, Austria, or Algeria.

For Panama, it was another disappointing outing. They ended their World Cup campaign without a single point after losing all three group-stage matches. Jose Fajardo thought he had scored a consolation goal during stoppage time, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

England's only World Cup triumph came on home soil in 1966. This year's qualification marks the seventh time in the last eight World Cups that the Three Lions have reached the knockout stage.

Tuchel was forced to make several changes to his starting lineup due to injuries. Jarrell Quansah replaced the injured Reece James at right-back after the Chelsea defender suffered a hamstring problem, while Nico O'Reilly started on the left. In midfield, Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, and Marcus Rashford came into the side in place of Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Anthony Gordon.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also reached another milestone, making his 15th World Cup appearance for England. He now sits second on the nation's all-time list for World Cup appearances, behind only legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who played 17 matches.