Tuchel pleased with ‘deserved’ win

Thomas Tuchel felt England deserved the 2-0 victory over Panama that saw them progress to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Group L winners and says his side will get better as the tournament goes on.

The Three Lions went into the game already assured of a place in the Round of 32 after results earlier in the day guaranteed they would at least qualify as one of the eight best third-placed finishers. 

But in a hard fought game against the Central Americans, goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane secured top spot in Group L and Tuchel was left satisfied with the performance at New York New Jersey Stadium. 

“We did what was needed,” he said.

“It was what we expected - a tough match against a physical opponent. It was difficult to score - we were the only team to create this amount of chances and scored twice against them.

“We were very aggressive. We had to be very careful with the counter-attacks because they’re strong - we did well and deserved to win, but it was hard work.”

After a goalless first half, England broke Panama’s stubborn resistance when Bellingham turned home on the volley from Bukayo Saka’s corner.

Five minutes later the midfielder turned provider for Kane, who nodded home a cross to become England’s record World Cup goalscorer.

England must wait to discover their Round of 32 opponents, but know they will face a third placed team from Group E, I, J or K in Atlanta on Wednesday 1 July, and while Tuchel admitted his side has room to improve, he is confident they will rise to the challenge of knockout football. 

“There’s more to build on,” he added.

“You have to get so many details right. It’s an aggressive approach that we take to defend one-on-one. If you’re close to the pitch, you see it. 

“The tournament starts again now in the knockouts. 

“Now we collect our strengths and we build on what we have. The team spirit, fighting spirit, the belief, and we will step up. 

“The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get.”