Harry Kane hits hat-trick as England score six against Panama

With John Stones heading in twice and Jesse Lingard curling in a shot, England scored the most goals in a World Cup game.

The Three Lions slowed down the game in the second half, keeping the ball as much as possible, but Kane was determined to be the third English player ever to get a hat-trick in a World Cup. Nearly a first World Cup goal for Panama, and unpredictably the chance comes via the impressive Barcenas.

“We are solid at the back and Jordan Pickford looks assured in goal”, says the 28-year-old.

John Stones benefited from England’s set-pieces with two goals from first half corners.

But this was mostly a day to forget, and Gomez was brutally honest about his team’s display, even admitting that Panama were “frightened” of England’s attacking power.

61′ England are due a goal.

Trippier’s crossing has been invaluable but what’s more important is the emphasis Southgate and his coaching staff have clearly placed on set plays in training.

Harry Kane (centre) scored a World Cup hat-trick as England thrashed Panama.

England fans in Nizhny Novgorod celebrate after their match against Panama in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russian Federation.

Gareth Southgate’s men secured England’s biggest-ever World Cup win and scored five by half-time, leaving Panama boss Gomez fearing just how bad things could get as England comfortably dealt with their rough-house tactics. Stones is wrestled to the ground and Kane will have a chance to make it five. And second half is hard.

Kane’s exploits should cement his world-class status and England manager Southgate said: ‘Clearly the stage to do that is this one.

England face Belgium on Thursday – the victor will top the group – and Lampard believes the Three Lions can put a marker down against Roberto Martinez’s side.

“I think that the difference of goals could have been more – we could have actually conceded more goals”.

The Panama goalkeeper made a fine close-range save.

“But I would have loved a clean sheet, I thought we defended so well and dominated the match and to not get a clean sheet is a bit disappointing”.

MF Jesse Lingard, 8 – Carried on where he left off against Tunisia, but added a finishing touch.

Similar performances to the first-half showing by England against Panama will definitely get people believing.

They still had their chances, Jose Luis Rodriguez blasting high and wide after finding space on the left, but England were in control of the contest.

This must be England’s key to success as the opposition have no idea who they will be up against!

The second from the spot saw him become the first player in 44 years to score two goals in each of his first two World Cup games.

FW Jamie Vardy, 6 – Made lots of trademark runs into the channels after replacing Kane, but his impact was limited by the fact that England were no longer really looking to score by the time he came on.

His energy, pace and direct running caused the opposition all kinds of problems – as was demonstrated by the part he played in the second goal, winning England’s first penalty after being sent sprawling in the box.