England ensured Panama’s maiden dalliance with the World Cup will be a brief one as Los Canaleros (The Canal Men) were sunk 6-1.
Harry Kane scored a hat-trick for the Three Lions, who roared to a second win in Russia.
There was some joy among the misery for the Central Americans as veteran skipper Felipe Baloy superbly converted Ricardo Avila’s free-kick to bring the fans in the stands to their feet for a moment they’ll treasure – if not the result.
Here we rate the Panama players.
PANAMA (4-1-4-1)
Jaime Penedo – 7:
Was always going to be the busiest man on the pitch. Couldn’t be faulted for any goals. Rushed out well to thwart Sterling.
Michael Murillo – 4:
Hopelessly all at sea for England’s opener as he allowed Stones to wonder free. Overeager every time in the tackle.
Roman Torres – 4:
Struggled horribly with the pace and incision of Sterling and Lingard. Wasted a glorious chance to emulate his qualifying goalscoring heroics.
Fidel Escobar – 3:
What was he doing pole-axing Lingard in the box? Idiotic. Unsurprisingly booked as he looked way below the required pedigree.
Eric Davis – 6:
As Panama’s defence imploded, he remained diligent. Linked well with Rodriguez in attacking down the left channel.
Gabriel Gomez – 5:
Simply could not get to grips with Harry Maguire at corners. Completely overrun as he tried to screen his defence.
Edgar Barcenas – 6:
Linked the play well in attack as Panama showed more in attack that predicted. Industrious and bright. Two key passes.
Armando Cooper – 3:
His crude hack on Lingard was shocking and senseless. Dispossessed a team leading four times. Woefully lacking in quality.
Anibal Godoy – 3:
Dreadful touch when presented with early chance. No wonder he has two goals in 91 caps. Wrestled Kane to the ground for second penalty.
Jose Luis Rodriguez – 7:
One of the few Panama players to emerge with any credit. Let his football rather than fouling do the talking.
Blas Perez – 6:
Tried in vain to affect the game at the top end of the pitch. Tireless outing, but toiled against top-class opposition.
#ENG record their biggest-ever #WorldCup victory to book their place in the knock-out stages! #ENGPAN pic.twitter.com/Kv9SU3dMKK
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 24, 2018
SUBS:
Ricardo Avila – 7:
Whipped in a superb cross that was finished emphatically by fellow substitute Baloy.
Abdiel Arroyo – 6:
Was neat and tidy when he came on, making one tackle and a key pass.
Felipe Baloy – 7:
The 37-year-old captain wrote his name into Panama folklore with a memorable goal late on.
