England batters Panama to set up Group G decider with Belgium

England and Belgium are through to the round of 16 after the former decimated World Cup debutant Panama on Sunday.

The Three Lions beat Los Canaleros 6-1, and will fight for the top spot of Group G against Belgium on Thursday.

England raced to a 5-0 lead by the break via two Harry Kane penalties, two headers from John Stones, and a Jesse Lingard beauty. Kane's third to make it 6-0 was a fluke - a shot from Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the 62nd minute deflected off his heels and over Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo - and the current leader of the Golden Boot race was withdrawn shortly afterward to a rapturous reception. The Tottenham Hotspur striker now has five goals to his name, one more than both Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku.

Perhaps the most jubilant scene was witnessed when 37-year-old substitute Felipe Baloy - the oldest player in Panama's squad, who intends to retire after the tournament - stretched to half-volley a consolation past Jordan Pickford. The veteran was swamped by teammates, and the Panamanians in the stands went wild after seeing the country's first-ever World Cup goal.

Overall, the pace was slower in the second half as Gareth Southgate's ranks appeared to reserve energy for their next match against Belgium and beyond. England and Belgium are level on points, goal difference, and goals scored, meaning a draw between the pair next week would see the winner of Group G determined by the teams' disciplinary records. England currently has the advantage, with two yellow cards to Belgium's three.

If the teams' fair-play records are identical after their fixture, the group winner would be decided in a mini-draw.