29 June,2026 09:14 AM IST | East Rutherford | Agencies
England skipper Harry Kane celebrates his goal against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday. Pics/AFP
Jude Bellingham said England had achieved their immediate objective after sealing top spot in their World Cup group, while also paying a rich tribute to skipper Harry Kane for becoming England's leading scorer in the continental showpiece.
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham struck the opening goal just past the hour in New Jersey before Harry Kane wrapped up a 2-0 win over Panama.
"We had the goal in mind before the start of the tournament that we wanted to take it in sections. We've achieved our first objective, which was to win the group," said Bellingham.
England progressed as Group L winners with seven points, but their performances have varied following a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia to start the campaign.
England's win also saw captain Harry Kane move into the record books, becoming the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals. "It's an honour to play with him. He's the best England player of all time," said Bellingham.
"He's the one who's showed up more than anyone, more than any England player. He's at a level at the minute that's just incredible. You don't doubt him at all in terms of whether he's involved or not. You know he's going to make a difference in the game, and he did again today," he added.
Meanwhile, Kane told BBC Sport: "I spoke before the tournament about the World Cup being the biggest competition, so to get to 11 goals is a proud feeling."
Four
No. of goals scored by Harry Kane against Panama at World Cups - the most by an England player against a single opposition
2 vs Tunisia in 2018 (England won 2-1)
3 vs Panama in 2018 (England won 6-1)
1 vs Colombia in 2018 (Match drawn 1-1)
1 vs Senegal in 2022 (England won 3-0)
1 vs France in 2022 (England lost 1-2)
2 vs Croatia in 2026 (England won 4-2)
1 vs Panama in 2026 (England won 2-0)
. Harry Kane
11 goals in 14 matches
. Gary Linekar
10 goals in 12 matches
. Geoff Hurst
5 goals in 6 matches
. Michael Owen
4 goals in 12 matches
. Bobby Charlton
4 goals in 14 matches
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