World Cup: England Romp Past Panama And Into Last 16
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - England hit a brittle Panama side for six to seal qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia knockout stage, a result that booked Belgium's Round of 16 berth too while eliminating Los Canaleros and Tunisia.
Only top spot in Group G will be on the line when the Three Lions and Red Devils do battle next time out.
Gareth Southgate's team once again showcased their dead-ball prowess: two of their goals were penalties and a further two were headers from a corner and free-kick respectively.
As for the Panamanians, they knew in advance that they would have to be clinical to stand any chance of getting something out of the game.
Instead, they spurned the first two opportunities of the match and then promptly capitulated, finding themselves 2-0 down shortly after, FIFA.com reported.
John Stones headed home a brace, while Harry Kane hit the tournament's second hat-trick so far, twice converting convincingly from the spot and then completing his treble when a Ruben Loftus-Cheek shot flicked off him and be diverted into the net.
Despite taking a pummelling, Panama also had grounds to celebrate when they scored their first-ever World Cup goal courtesy of a fine finish from 12 yards from Felipe Baloy.