England have cruised into the last 16 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after they convincingly beat Panama 6-1 in their Group G encounter this afternoon.
Gareth Southgate’s men who came under some pressure following Monday’s under par performance in their 2-1 victory over Tunisia, took full advantage of an underperforming Panamanian side.
The English who have Harry Kane to thank after he bagged a hat-trick were in full control from start to finish as they easily despatched their central American opponents.
In what will most likely be a win that will increase their confidence England found themselves in front when John Stones powered home a header from a corner on the eight minute.
England who dominated possession throughout took further advantage when that man Kane powered home a penalty on the 22nd minute after Lingard was pushed over in the box.
Lingard who played an instrumental part in England’s second, then came up with one of the goals of the tournament when he smashed home a superb shot from the edge of the the box into the right top hand corner.
The game was all but over on the 40th minute when Stones bagged another when he headed home in the six yard box following a well worked free kick.
Kane gave Southgate’s men a fifth on the stroke of half-time when he slotted home another penalty after Stones was dragged down in the box.
The second half was nothing more than an expected dull affair with the game already in the bag, however England weren’t content with just five and added another when Kane grabbed his third by flicking Loftus-Check’s shot past a stranded Penedo.
The game as whole became rather lackluster until Panama grabbed their first goal of the tournament when Baloy turned home an incoming free kick to make the score 6-1.
Although both teams pressed following the late consolation, but England seen the game out to take three points and go level with Belgium at top of the group.
Both England and Belgium will go head to head against Belgium on Thursday for top spot in the group.