Harry Kane became England’s record World Cup goalscorer as they recovered from an unconvincing start to overcome Panama and finish top of Group L.
Jude Bellingham broke a frustrating deadlock to put England ahead after 62 minutes, then crossed for Kane to double their advantage with a close-range header five minutes later.
It was the captain’s 11th World Cup goal, taking him one ahead of Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer.
England were below-par for long periods and once more looked vulnerable at the back, suffering another injury blow when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, deputising for the injured Reece James, was forced off in the second half.
Bellingham was England’s outstanding driving force, making the breakthrough when he turned in a clever finish from Bukayo Saka’s corner.
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He then turned creator with a perfect cross for Kane to rewrite England’s history books again with a routine finish, his 82nd goal in 117 appearances.
As England closed out the win, which means they will face DR Congo in the last 32 in Atlanta, Jordan Henderson came on as a substitute to become the first player to represent his country at four World Cups.
England head coach, Thomas Tuchel, needed a game-changer in a dour struggle against Panama, after his side had played three goalless halves in succession at the World Cup.
And it was Bellingham who took on the role, with quality and sheer force of will, to drag England out of a situation where, at one point, they were second in their group behind Croatia.
Bellingham pushed forward in the first half, along with the recalled Morgan Rogers, which occasionally left Elliot Anderson isolated in midfield and England vulnerable on the break.
It paid dividends, however, just after the hour when he stretched his leg around Panama’s Jorge Gutierrez to force a finish past keeper Orlando Mosquera.
And Bellingham made another decisive contribution with the cross for Kane to become England’s all-time top scorer.
