World Cup 2026: Harry Kane welcomes ugly goals against Panama as England seek response to frustrating Ghana draw

Harry Kane insists style counts for little if England secure top spot in Group L, with the Three Lions captain admitting he would gladly take another collection of scruffy goals against Panama after their frustrating stalemate with Ghana.

England were expected to build on their impressive 4-2 opening victory over Croatia when they faced Ghana in Massachusetts. Instead, Thomas Tuchel’s side were frustrated throughout a cagey contest and had to settle for a goalless draw that left qualification within reach but delayed confirmation of first place.

For Kane, however, the result was far from unfamiliar. The Bayern Munich striker revealed he had warned his teammates before the match that England have developed a habit of stumbling in the second group game of major tournaments despite strong starts.

“I actually spoke (on Monday) before training and just said, in my last three tournaments, we’ve won the first one and drawn the second one,” Kane explained.

The England captain urged perspective, pointing out that the pattern has repeatedly ended with successful qualification campaigns.

“But this is the fourth tournament in a row where the second game hasn’t gone as well as we’d have liked. But ultimately, it’s four tournaments in a row where we’ve pretty much qualified after two games. So it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Bellingham sums up England frustration

England midfielder Jude Bellingham described the draw as another case of “second game fever”, highlighting a recurring issue that has followed England through recent tournaments.

While Ghana, led by the experienced Carlos Queiroz, produced a disciplined defensive display, England struggled to find rhythm and clear-cut opportunities. Kane’s biggest chance arrived late in the game after Nico O’Reilly struck the woodwork, but the striker blazed the rebound over the crossbar from close range.

The miss prevented England from sealing top spot immediately and reignited debate about the team’s dependence on their record goalscorer.

Panama memories offer encouragement

England supporters will remember Panama as the opponents Kane dismantled during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The striker scored a hat-trick in a crushing 6-1 victory, although even he admits it was not the most glamorous treble of his career.

Two penalties and a fortunate deflection off his heel completed the feat, but Kane would happily accept a repeat if it helps England finish the group stage strongly.

“A couple of pens and a lucky goal,” he recalled. “It wasn’t my most beautiful hat trick to be honest, but I’ll take that again on Saturday for sure.”

Panama arrive in New Jersey already eliminated after losing their opening two matches, making England overwhelming favourites to secure victory and potentially finish as group winners.

Tuchel may shuffle his pack

England boss Thomas Tuchel made two changes against Ghana, bringing Djed Spence and Marc Guehi into the starting line-up, and further rotation could follow in the final group fixture.

Kane believes Panama will present a different challenge from the compact defensive block deployed by Ghana and expects a more open encounter.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if (Tuchel) made some changes and just kept the team fresh,” Kane said.

“Panama, we expect probably a bit of a different game. Whoever plays in that one will be ready, will be energetic from the start, probably won’t face as much of a low block.”

With qualification virtually secured and first place still within reach, England now have an immediate opportunity to answer the criticism generated by the Ghana draw.

For Kane, it does not matter whether the goals are spectacular or scruffy. The priority is simple: beat Panama and head into the knockout rounds with momentum restored.