England stormed into World Cup 2018’s knockouts with a match to spare courtesy of a 6-1 thrashing of debutants Panama that included a hat-trick for new tournament top scorer Harry Kane.
The Three Lions roared into a 5-0 half-time advantage at Nizhny Novogorod thanks to John Stones’ double from set-pieces, Jesse Lingard’s superb curled effort and Kane’s cool brace from the penalty spot.
The latter-mentioned skipper luckily completed his first brace for England when he deflected in Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s shot. Consolation for Panama was found when substitute Felipe Baloy stretched to knock in his nation’s opening World Cup goal.
England usurped their final Group G opponents Belgium, who they play on Thursday, at the top via goal difference. Panama are eliminated after two heavy defeats.
Here are our player ratings:
ENGLAND (3-1-4-2)
Jordan Pickford – 6: Had the best seat in the house as the Three Lions tore Panama to bits. Remained alert to bravely block rampaging right-back Michael Murillo.
Kyle Walker – 6: There was never any risk of another penalty clanger from the makeshift centre-back. Made one brilliant sliding block near the start to safeguard the clean sheet.
John Stones – 7: Hadn’t scored twice in a season before August 2016’s move to Manchester City, never mind two in one game. Only worry was his sloppy giveaways of the ball.
Harry Maguire – 7: The towering Leicester City defender caused utter chaos in the Panama penalty box for every set-piece. Defending didn’t come under microscope.
Jordan Henderson – 7: Is exerting a growing influence at international level after previously underwhelming. His set-piece led to Stones’ scrambled second.
Kieran Trippier – 8: The Tottenham Hotspur right-back continues to reward head coach Gareth Southgate’s faith. England’s first three goals at the tournament came from his corners.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 5: It doesn’t look like the injured Dele Alli needs to worry about his starting spot. Only had one shot and key pass, but this shot was fortuitously deflected in by Kane.
Jesse Lingard – 7: Made up for his profligate display against Tunisia with a breathtaking goal from the edge of the penalty box. His energy makes England’s attack come alive.
Ashley Young – 6: A nondescript display from the Manchester United wing-back. Left praise for Trippier. Swapped sides later on to facilitate substitute Danny Rose.
Raheem Sterling – 6: This was a neat display from the City attacker, but it lacked punch. Really should have buried header in build-up to club-mate Stones’ second.
Harry Kane – 8: England’s captain is now the top scorer at World Cup 2018 thank to this hat-trick. His two penalties were perfect, his third requiring a sizeable slice of fortune.
SUBS
Fabian Delph – 6: Got minutes into his legs thanks to near 30-minute cameo. Did nothing of note.
Jamie Vardy – 6: England were already counting down the clock when the Leicester strike came on. Had no shots.
Danny Rose – 6: Given final 20 minutes to make an impression. Was deepest defender for Panama’s consolation.
