Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane were the sparking heroes for England in East Rutherford, New Jersey as the pair led the Three Lions to a 2-0 win over Panama, clinching the top of Group L and advancement to the Round of 32, when they’ll be taking on DR Congo in Atlanta, Georgia.
It looked like it was going to be a frustrating evening in the New Jersey rain for Thomas Tuchel and company, similar to the 0-0 stalemate they played out against Ghana in Foxborough, but a 62nd
minute toe-poke goal from Bellingham off of a corner followed by a Kane header in the 67th minute lifted the English spirits and gave them a vital three points. Despite an overall lackluster performance against a Panama side that were already eliminated from the World Cup and only playing for pride, Bellingham and Kane stepped up when it mattered most and have been forming quite the formidable partnership in England’s attack.
After the Panama win, the pair of world class players had nothing but admiration for one another as they’ve established themselves as the real focal points of an England side that really has started to fully fire on all cylinders as of yet at the World Cup. Between the two of them, Kane has three goals while Bellingham has two goals and an assist.
“Jude looks fit and sharp with the bit between his teeth, really to go out there and prove to the world what type of player he is. It’s fantastic to play with him. The cross he put in for my goal just shows his quality. His effort, non-stop running, tackling, tracking back – that’s the type of player we want in our team,” Kane said of Bellingham (via @iMiaSanMia).
“Jude is a fantastic runner with the ball, and without the ball, making runs in behind from deep. He’s so hard to track, he’s strong and physical. Wherever he plays, he’s effective,” the Bayern striker continued in his adulation of the Real Madrid man who has question marks coming into the tournament due to the amount time he was out injured for the La Liga giants.
“I have built a good relationship with Harry over the last four or five years, especially after Qatar, playing so close together. It is an honor to play with him. For me he is the best England player of all time. He is the one who has showed up more than anyone,” Bellingham said in returning the favor to his compatriot.
While Bellingham’s cross for Kane’s headed goal against Panama was the first time the pair have linked up to score in a competitive match, the understanding and effect from the two has been clearly evident. If England want to get past DR Congo and go far in the World Cup, they’ll need both Kane and Bellingham to be at their best.
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