In East Rutherford, New Jersey, the loudest sound after the final whistle was the crowd chanting ‘Hey Jude’. England’s players had trudged off following a functional but unspectacular 2-0 victory over Panama that secured top spot in Group L at the World Cup. Jude Bellingham remained on the pitch for post-match media duties, receiving adulation from fans who recognised the man responsible for turning the game in England’s favour.

England have endured difficult spells during this tournament despite finishing first in their group. Much of that achievement is due to Bellingham, whose energy, creativity, and leadership have been essential for the Three Lions. He was the one who put England ahead 3-2 against Croatia earlier in the tournament and once again led from the front here.

Bellingham scored one goal and assisted another in a dynamic performance that ensured England avoided the tougher side of the knockout draw as they chart their path back to New Jersey for the final on July 19.

Thomas Tuchel’s side did not make it easy for themselves. The first half continued the slow, unimaginative play seen in their goalless draw with Ghana. England struggled to break through the middle of Panama’s defence, and when they did move the ball wide, their crosses often lacked precision.

“I know as a coach what it takes to win these matches. It’s no problem if these games feel tight or tough. It will help us in the next match,” Tuchel said afterwards.

A set piece finally sparked England into life. Bukayo Saka’s corner found Bellingham, who stretched to volley the ball into the bottom corner with exquisite technique.

From that moment, England played with greater freedom. Bellingham was again central to the second goal five minutes later, darting past Harry Kane to latch onto a Nico O’Reilly pass before twisting and delivering a pinpoint cross that Kane nodded home.

“Huge impact from Bellingham and Kane. That’s what we need, that’s what we want... that’s why expectations are high,” Tuchel said about his scorers.

However, there were new concerns for Tuchel, particularly an injury to Jarell Quansah that further depletes England’s options at right-back ahead of Wednesday’s last-32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta.

For now, Bellingham’s brilliance is masking those weaknesses. But if England are to lift the World Cup, others must match his game-changing influence to take the team all the way.

WINNER: Jude Bellingham

It’s remarkable to think there was ever debate over Bellingham’s inclusion in England’s starting XI, given his outstanding blend of quality and leadership throughout the group stage.

Deployed in a deeper midfield role against Panama to give Declan Rice a much-needed rest, Bellingham was relentless from the first whistle. He tackled hard, drove at defenders, and directed teammates constantly.

Neither his goal nor assist were straightforward, but Bellingham executed both with ease. “That is just the quality of Jude Bellingham,” Panama manager Thomas Christiansen conceded after the match.

After 71 minutes, Bellingham’s job was done. He led all players in ground duels contested and won, tackles made, fouls earned, chances created, dribbles attempted and completed, and direct goal involvements. Only Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney have scored more tournament goals for England this century. There is little more Tuchel could ask for.

“He’s just in a sweet spot after his injury. He’s happy, he feels free... He loves to play with this intensity on such a big stage,” Tuchel observed.

With his 23rd birthday approaching on Monday, Bellingham’s maturity and influence already make him one of the team’s most vital figures.

LOSER: Morgan Rogers

Before the tournament, there was debate over whether Tuchel should start Morgan Rogers or Bellingham. On Saturday, he chose both.

The two had started together twice previously, producing wins but no goals or assists between them — suggesting a lack of chemistry. Against Panama, Bellingham shone, but the Aston Villa winger struggled to make an impact. Rogers stayed on the fringes of play, managing two chances created but no shots on goal — uninspiring numbers for a forward.

“They can play with each other. They are a threat to any opponent,” Tuchel maintained despite Rogers’ quiet game. Still, with Rice expected to return for the knockouts, Rogers is likely to drop to the bench and must offer more when called upon.

WINNER: Harry Kane

For much of the match, Kane’s performance was subdued. He struggled to influence play and was even seen defending inside his own penalty area rather than leading attacks.

While Kane consistently impacts games for Bayern Munich, his England form has been more about key moments. When Bellingham delivered a dangerous cross, Kane converted calmly with a header from six yards out.

The goal makes him England’s all-time leading scorer in World Cups with 11 goals, surpassing Gary Lineker’s record of 10.

“Everybody is very happy because he is a fantastic team-mate,” Tuchel said. “I’m not even aware of all the records... It’s fantastic that he can break this one at a World Cup. He’s in great physical and mental shape, ready to go all the way.”

With quiet showings from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, Kane closed the gap in the race for the Golden Boot, even if Lionel Messi extended his lead later that night. It’s a welcome boost for the England skipper after a frustrating outing against Ghana.

LOSER: England’s right-backs

Tuchel’s decision to name just two natural right-backs — Reece James and Tino Livramento — has come back to haunt him. Both players, with histories of injuries, have again been sidelined. Livramento was ruled out before the tournament began, and while James remains with the squad, he is set to miss at least one more game.

Tuchel turned to Jarell Quansah, a centre-back who has occasionally played on the right for Bayer Leverkusen, but his ankle injury against Panama has deepened England’s defensive crisis.

“It will be a tight race for Reece James and Jarell Quansah,” Tuchel admitted. “Of course we are worried about them, but we’ll look for solutions.”

The decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold now appears even more questionable, while replacing Livramento with Trevoh Chalobah looks misguided. Djed Spence, primarily a left-sided defender in recent years, could be forced to fill in — a less-than-ideal situation for a team with World Cup ambitions.

LOSER: Thomas Tuchel

After the goalless draw with Ghana, Tuchel hinted that he had devised a strategy to counter defensive setups but avoided using it mid-match in Boston. If Saturday’s adjustments were part of that plan, they failed to deliver.

He introduced both Rogers and Bellingham, with Saka and Marcus Rashford returning to the lineup. England effectively shifted to a 3-1-6 when attacking, aiming to overload Panama’s defence. In theory, it was clever; in practice, it lacked cohesion.

England managed only two shots on target in the first half, with the breakthrough coming from a set piece and then a fast counterattack. The display did little to reassure fans about England’s ability to break down stubborn defences. DR Congo are unlikely to open up in the next round either, so another tense evening may await.

WINNER: England’s route to the final

England had already secured qualification for the last 32 before this match, but the result determined which side of the draw they would fall on.

By topping the group, England avoided a half of the bracket featuring Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina — all formidable opponents. Facing Argentina would be daunting, while Brazil in Miami would feel like an away fixture. Mexico at the Azteca would be equally intimidating.

Finishing second would have been far worse, setting up a last-32 showdown with Portugal, followed by possible meetings with Spain and France if seedings held.

This win could prove crucial if England return to New Jersey for the final. While challenges remain, DR Congo should provide another opportunity to fine-tune their performance before tougher tests ahead.