Although the journey was not without difficulty, England secured first place in their group, remaining unbeaten in all three matches.
Under Thomas Tuchel, England displayed incisive attacking play against Croatia, earning a well‑deserved 4‑2 victory, before a disappointing goalless draw with Ghana highlighted their struggle to penetrate a resolute defence.
The opening half‑hour against Panama resembled the Ghana encounter, yet Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane both found the net after the interval, delivering a crucial 2‑0 win that secured England’s top‑group position.
In theory, England possess a talented squad and an elite manager capable of progressing far in the tournament, while also being placed on the opposite side of the draw from France and Spain — teams that eliminated them in their last two major competitions.
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