England tops Group L with 2-0 win over Panama as Croatia edges Ghana 2-1 to advance
England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama, while Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 in their Saturday June 27 match to seal Round of 32 qualification despite Ghana advancing as a top third-placed team.
England's Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 62nd minute after a Bukayo Saka assist, then captain Harry Kane doubled the lead five minutes later with a goal assisted by Bellingham. Panama showed determination but failed to create clear chances as England controlled the closing stages.
Croatia took the lead through Petar Sučić in the 31st minute assisted by Mateo Kovačić, with Luka Modrić dominating midfield. Ghana equalized in the 73rd minute through Daryl Luckassen assisted by Ernest Nuamah, but Nikola Vlašić scored the winner eight minutes from time after receiving a pass from Modrić. Ghana finished with four points, sufficient to advance as one of the best third-place teams.
England will face a third-placed team from another group in the Round of 32, with Senegal or DR Congo as possible opponents, while Croatia awaits the Group K runners-up. Panama is eliminated from the tournament.