Jude ready for England to kick-on

Jude Bellingham says England are taking the FIFA World Cup 2026 one stage at a time, after victory over Panama was enough to seal top-spot in their group.

The Real Madrid man was an impressive figure for the Three Lions in New Jersey, opening the scoring with a clever finish from a corner before turning provider to cross for Harry Kane to head home England’s second.

And the Three Lions now know they will face a Round of 32 game against a third-placed nation in Atlanta on Wednesday 1 June (5pm BST), for which Bellingham says they’ll be fully focused.

“First job achieved,” he said.

“We came here to do it in sections. We got through the pre-camp games really well and now we have achieved that first objective, which was to get through the group and top it as well.

“We have got to try and improve every game and it’s up to us to do that.”

Thomas Tuchel’s side endured a frustrating first half in which they had to show patience against a resolute Panama team.

But once Bellingham had opened the scoring, England pushed on and could’ve added more goals to their tally.

“[At half time we said] you’re doing well, keep going,” revealed Bellingham.

“Another gear, nothing crazy. We knew what level we were at and what level we want to achieve and we did it in the second half.”

The opening goal was Bellingham’s second of this competition, but he did admit he took more pleasure from his contribution to Kane’s goal, which saw the captain break another record to become England’s top goalscorer at FIFA World Cups.

“The assist [pleased me most],” he added.

“It was a good combination of play and to give it to Harry [Kane] who continues to raise his level is incredible. Everything he deserves. You see the effort he puts in as a captain and how he leads us. The quality speaks for itself - he’s the best.”