Harry Kane etched his name into England football history on Friday, scoring in the 67th minute against Panama to become the country's all-time leading World Cup goal scorer. His strike, which sealed a 2-0 victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, took his World Cup tally to 11 goals, surpassing the legendary Gary Lineker's long-standing record of 10. Jude Bellingham had opened the scoring five minutes earlier in the 62nd minute, setting the stage for Kane's milestone moment in what proved to be a commanding group-stage finale.
The victory ensured England topped Group L with seven points from three matches, having won two and drawn one. Thomas Tuchel's side opened the tournament with an emphatic 4-2 win over Croatia before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana. Kane's third goal of the tournament, following his brace against Croatia, underlined his importance to the squad and his remarkable consistency on the World Cup stage. The 32-year-old striker has now scored in multiple World Cup tournaments, cementing his status as one of England's greatest ever forwards.
England's path through the group was marked by tactical discipline under Tuchel, who took over as manager with the specific aim of delivering tournament success. Against Panama, England controlled possession from the start and created numerous chances before Bellingham's precise finish broke the deadlock. Kane's goal shortly after effectively ended the contest, allowing England to see out the match with composure and confidence ahead of the knockout rounds.
In the other Group L fixture played simultaneously, Croatia secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana to claim the runners-up spot and a place in the Round of 32. Luka Sucic gave Croatia the lead in the 31st minute, but Ghana fought back through Jeremiah Luckassen, who equalized in the 73rd minute. Just when it seemed Ghana might snatch a result that could have changed the group standings, Nikola Vlasic rose to head home a Luka Modric corner in the 83rd minute, sending Croatia through and ending Ghana's World Cup campaign.
Ghana's elimination came despite a spirited second-half performance against Croatia, while Panama finished bottom of the group after losing all three of their matches. For Croatia, the presence of the 40-year-old Modric continues to inspire, with the veteran midfielder delivering yet another decisive contribution on the biggest stage.
England will now face DR Congo in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday, carrying significant momentum and a fully firing attack. Kane's record-breaking form, combined with Bellingham's creative brilliance, gives Tuchel's squad genuine belief that this could be the tournament where England finally end their long wait for a major trophy. The Three Lions have not won a World Cup since 1966, and this talented generation appears determined to rewrite history.
With the group stage now complete, attention turns to the knockout rounds where England will be among the favorites to progress deep into the competition. Kane's historic achievement adds another chapter to a remarkable career, and the striker shows no signs of slowing down as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
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