For the first time at this summer's tournament, there was no Reece James in the England side. The Blues skipper was absent due to what Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel has described as a 'minor hamstring issue' sustained in the goalless draw with Ghana.

Chalobah, meanwhile, was again named among the England substitutes for the game at the MetLife Stadium, the scene of our Club World Cup final triumph over Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

England knew a victory would likely ensure qualification as Group L winners, yet they were left frustrated throughout the opening period by an already-eliminated Panama side.

However, just as in the Three Lions' opener against Croatia, an improved performance in the second period ensured the three points were claimed.

Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock just after the hour mark; the 22-year-old managed to prod a Bukayo Saka corner beyond Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera from close range.

Five minutes later, the Real Madrid midfielder turned provider, delivering a whipped cross that enabled Harry Kane to head home and become England's all-time leading goalscorer at World Cups.

Jose Fajardo did have the ball in the net for Panama late on, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. It wasn't pretty, but it was job done for England.

The Three Lions will discover their Round of 32 opponents following the conclusion of the group stagefixtures.