Kane breaks England's World Cup scoring record as Three Lions beat Panama to win Group L

Harry Kane wrote his name into the record books and England booked top spot in Group L, as goals from Jude Bellingham and the captain himself sealed a controlled 2-0 win over a stubborn Panama at the World Cup. It was the perfect way to close out the group stage, and a historic night for the man who led the line.

For an hour, Panama frustrated. Thomas Tuchel's side dominated the ball but found the breakthrough hard to come by against a disciplined, deep-lying block, the same pattern that had dogged England in their goalless draw with Ghana. The difference this time was that the openings finally came, and England took them.

The deadlock broke on 62 minutes. Bukayo Saka was the architect, slipping the ball to Bellingham, who found space at the edge of the box and finished with the composure that has become his trademark. The goal settled English nerves and tilted the contest decisively in their favour.

Five minutes later came the moment of history. Bellingham turned provider, swinging a cross to the back post where Kane rose to head home, making it 2-0 and taking the striker to 11 World Cup goals. That tally moves him clear of Gary Lineker, whose 10 had stood as England's World Cup record, and crowns Kane as his country's all-time leading scorer at the tournament.

It is a milestone that reflects a remarkable individual run across multiple World Cups, and one achieved on a night when it also mattered for the team. Kane had drawn level with Lineker by scoring twice in the chaotic 4-2 opening win over Croatia, and now he stands alone, a fitting reward for England's talisman.

The victory means England finish top of Group L, securing the more favourable side of the knockout bracket they had been chasing. After the stilted draw with Ghana raised questions about their cutting edge, this was a measured, professional response, exactly the kind of performance a side harbouring deep ambitions needs to string together.

Panama, eliminated before kick-off, can hold their heads high for the resistance they offered, but the night belonged to England and to Kane. Tuchel will be encouraged not just by the result but by the manner of it, with his attackers combining to break down a packed defence rather than forcing the issue.

The focus now shifts to the Round of 32, where the margins narrow and the drama sharpens. England arrive as group winners with their captain in record-breaking form. For every knockout tie and the shape of the bracket as it takes form, follow the latest football news.