The Three Lions took the lead in the eighth minute when John Stones, who was free in an area as wide as the Panama Canal (thanks Martin Tyler),  headed Kieran Trippier’s corner into the back of the net.

England then doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Jesse Lingard was brought down in the box and Harry Kane smashed the resulting penalty into the top right hand corner.

The game settled down but came to life on 36 minutes when excellent combination play between Raheem Sterling and Lingard saw the Manchester United midfielder score a screamer to make it 3-0.

It got embarrassing for Panama towards the end of the first half when another headed goal from Stones and another Kane penalty made it 5-0 at the break.

England dropped their intensity in the second half but got a fortunate sixth when Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s long-range shot deflected off Kane and wrong-footed  Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.

The rest of the match then petered out until Panama created history in the 78th minute when 37-year-old substitute Felipe Boloy hit a well struck half-volley that flew past Jordan Pickford from 12 yards.

It was a historic first goal for the Central Americans but it was all about England and their fans are starting to believe.

England

Jordan Pickford – (GK) 6

Wasn’t really troubled at all except for a couple of half chances.Should leave the sweeper keeper stuff for the Germans after he almost  came off second best when he left  his post in the second half.

Kyle Walker 7

Gave the ball away early but was steady after a shaky start.

John Stones 7

Superb header for the opener and then latched onto the rebound for the second. Didn’t put a foot wrong in defence. A dream game for the defender.

Harry Maguire 6

Was troubled a couple of times early on but another calm and composed game at the back, even though he was partly responsible for Panama’s goal.