World Cup

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Attendance: 43,319

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 24, 2018 at 1pm UK

England
6-1
Panama Panama

Stones (8', 40'), Kane (22' pen., 45+1' pen., 62'), Lingard (36')

FT(HT: 5-0)

Baloy (78')

Gareth Southgate critical of England performance against Panama

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 24 June 2018

Southgate criticises England performance

Gareth Southgate admits that he "didn't particularly like the performance" from his England side, despite running out 6-1 winners over Panama at the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate has stated that he "didn't particularly like the performance" from England despite cruising to a 6-1 win over Panama in Sunday's World Cup Group G encounter in Nizhny Novgorod.

The Central Americans, ranked 55th in the world, were put to the sword as Harry Kane scored a hat-trick, John Stones bagged a brace, and Jesse Lingard completed the scoring for the Three Lions.

Panama did,however, claim a consolation on 78 minutes as substitute Felipe Baloy scored on the half-volley, and Southgate noted how the concession could hold significance when it comes to top spot in the group.

"I didn't particularly like the performance! I didn't like the start and I didn't like the goal at the end but I guess the bits in the middle were pretty good," Southgate told BBC Sport. "I am being hyper-critical, though. I just thought we were a little anxious at the start. We played some really good stuff for 35-40 minutes but then of course the second half was more difficult.

"At 5-0 we talked about the importance of one more goal to be top of the group, so that's why the goal at the end was disappointing, but by the same token for everything everyone has put into it over the last few weeks it is rewarding to see how they are playing and how they are enjoying their football and I am sure everybody at home was enjoying it as well.

"Confidence-wise it was important that we were able to score goals. Our set plays were also a threat and that was pleasing to see. We want to keep momentum, we will have to think exactly about the team we want to put out against Belgium because there is an opportunity for players that need a match, but we also want to keep winning football matches. It is a nice decision to have."

England and Belgium are level on points, goals scored and goals conceded, with the Three Lions top of the group by virtue of having picked up fewer bookings than the Red Devils.