England advance as group winners, but defensive doubts follow them to Atlanta

England have reached the World Cup knockout stage as Group L winners and will play DR Congo in Atlanta in the last 32. The job was completed with victory over Panama, but the display did not remove concerns about how far Thomas Tuchel’s side can go.

Jude Bellingham again gave England the decisive spark, scoring the opener and then setting up Harry Kane. Kane’s goal took him to 11 at World Cup finals, moving him ahead of Gary Lineker on England’s all-time list for the tournament.

The bigger worry was at the other end. England allowed Panama 13 attempts on target, and the back line remains unsettled after changes at centre-back and further issues at right-back, where Jarell Quansah went off injured and Djed Spence was left as the available option.

Tuchel’s challenge now is to turn qualification into momentum. Declan Rice’s expected return would add protection in midfield, while Marcus Rashford’s lively performance gives the coach another attacking decision to make before the knockout tie.