England were imperious from the first whistle at a packed MetLife Stadium, suffocating Panama with a high press and recycling possession with the kind of composure that marks genuine title contenders. Gareth Southgate's successor set up in a fluid 4-3-3, with Bellingham roaming freely behind Kane and Saka cutting inside relentlessly from the right. Panama, without the suspended Roderick Miller and Aníbal Godoy in central midfield, looked stretched and disorganised — Carrasquilla and Yanis unable to provide the defensive screen their side desperately needed. Saka's opener was a thing of beauty: Bellingham threaded a first-time pass through the lines, and Saka took one touch before lashing a low drive into the far corner. Panama's best spell came just before the half-hour, winning a couple of set pieces, but Mejía's heroics at the other end were rendered moot when Córdoba clumsily bundled Rashford in the box on 43 minutes. Kane stepped up with his trademark assurance — goalkeeper guessed right but the power was too great. The second half was a procession. Mainoo's yellow card for a cynical foul briefly disrupted England's rhythm, but Bellingham restored order in the 71st minute, collecting Saka's cut-back and bending a right-footed curler into the top corner to send the travelling support into raptures. Panama showed spirit — Ismael Díaz forced Pickford into his only meaningful save of the evening — but the gulf in class was stark. England march into the next round of fixtures with maximum confidence and a healthy goal difference.

• England dominated possession (68%) and created 3.21 xG — a routine Group L opener for the Three Lions.
• Bukayo Saka was unplayable on the right, registering a goal and an assist and completing 6 of 7 dribbles.
• Jude Bellingham's late curler sealed the win, his 5th goal in World Cup group-stage football.
• Harry Kane converted from the spot to move to 71 international goals — England's all-time record extended.
• Panama's defensive block held for 17 minutes before England's quality proved overwhelming.
• Declan Rice's absence (suspension) forced a Bellingham–Mainoo double pivot that still controlled midfield comfortably.
• Panama's Luis Mejía made 7 saves and was the only reason the scoreline stayed respectable.