After a sluggish first half, in which Panama caused England plenty of problems on the counter-attack, Bellingham took control of the game and proved to be the difference maker as he broke the deadlock with a smart finish (62) before teeing up Harry Kane (67) as he went out on his own as England's leading scorer at World Cups.
"Bellingham is an absolute superstar and our best player in this game by a mile," Sky Sports' Gary Neville said during the second half on ITV.
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While England dominated the ball in the first half, they struggled in the final third. With Croatia leading Ghana 1-0 and heading for top spot in the group, the pressure was on for Thomas Tuchel's side to deliver after the break.
Not for the first time in his England career, it was Bellingham who delivered, poking home Bukayo Saka's corner to find the breakthrough that was so desperately needed.
Bellingham then turned provider five minutes later as Kane headed home his inch perfect cross for his 11th World Cup goal to break Gary Lineker's long-standing record as England sealed top spot to set up a potential last-32 showdown with Senegal or DR Congo.
More to follow...
The key moments from New York...
- 31: GOAL! Petar Sukic gave Croatia the lead against Ghana, meaning England needed a goal to take top spot in group
- 62: GOAL! England did respond in second half as Bellingham broke deadlock from Saka's corner
- 67: GOAL! A second goal in five minutes for England as Bellingham's cross teed up Kane for his 11th goal for England at World Cups.
- FT: England's win means they top Group L, with Croatia qualifying in second and Ghana reaching the last eight in third
