World Cup day 17: Harry Kane makes history as England beat Panama, Scotland boss Steve Clarke resigns

Steve Clarke resigns

Just moments after Scotland's elimination from the World Cup was confirmed, Steve Clarke has tendered his resignation as head coach.

"The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn't have had any of the memories that we've accumulated from 2019 until now," Clarke said in a letter to supporters.

"They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer.

"Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor."

Read more here.

Scotland eliminated

Scotland's World Cup journey has come to a heartbreaking end after the Tartan Army failed to escape the group stage.

Croatia's narrow victory over Ghana on Saturday night finally confirmed what many had feared – Steve Clarke's squad simply couldn't do enough to progress.

The 2-1 result in Group L meant Ghana finished third, but crucially, it also meant Scotland had no mathematical path forward.

Clarke's men needed results elsewhere to go their way, but it wasn't to be.

Scotland now face the painful reality that they won't be among the top eight third-placed sides advancing to the knockout rounds.

Croatia, who reached the World Cup final back in 2018, grabbed the lead in the 31st minute when Petar Sucic unleashed a brilliant long-range effort.

Ghana hit back in the second half through Derrick Luckassen, who found the net with a well-struck volley.

But it was Nikola Vlasic who proved the hero for the Croatians, nodding home the winner to secure their place as Group L runners-up.

England topped the group, while Panama finished bottom.

Ghana's third-place finish was enough to see them through, but for Scotland, it marked the end of their tournament dreams.

England's route to the final

Round of 32

Wednesday July 1: England vs Third-placed Group E/H/I/J/K, Atlanta - kick-off 5pm

As things stand, it will be Senegal in the first knockout round after qualifying as a third-place finisher, but that will change to DR Congo if they beat Uzbekistan on Sunday morning.

If England progress, here's who they could face...

Round of 16

Monday July 6: England vs Mexico, Mexico City - kick-off 1am

Quarter-finals

Saturday July 11: England vs Brazil, Miami - kick-off 10pm

Semi-finals

Wednesday July 15: England vs Argentina, Atlanta - kick-off 8pm

Final

Sunday July 19: England vs Spain, New Jersey - kick-off 8pm

Full time: England 2-0 Panama

Job done. It took a while but we got there. A quickfire double after the break from Bellingham and Kane make sure that England finish the group stage on top with two wins and a draw.

They now face either DR Congo or Senegal in the next round while Croatia will take on Columbia or Portugal.

GOA... No!

Panama score but it has been ruled offside, denying the Central American country a glorious moment at the World Cup.

Elsewhere, Croatia has taken the lead again but with minutes left, England look set to top the group.

Ghana equalise

In Philadelphia, Ghana have equalised against Croatia after a bit of a VAR check and there is some leeway now for England.

It means that England will top the group and could even draw tonight's match as things stand.

Meanwhile, Panama have had a flurry of chances and have forced England into some last-ditch defending.

Thomas Tuchel will not be happy if they concede now.

GOAL AGAIN! England

Like London buses...

Harry Kane settles the nerves to score England's second and that will probably be enough with just over 20 minutes left.

Bellingham puts in a brilliant cross and Kane is there to nod in at the back post.

That also makes him England's record goalscorer with 11 - taking him past Gary Lineker's 10.

GOAL! England

England finally get the breakthrough and it is Jude Bellingham! And a nation breathe a huge sigh of relief.

It comes after a set-piece as a corner is delivered in and it is not defended well by Panama.

Bellingham is being grappled by a defender but he flicks a leg out and it flies into the net.

England back on top of the group!

Back underway

Second half is underway and there is an early chance for Harry Kane.

A lovely ball from Rashford finds the England captain after some confusion from the Panama defenders.

But amongst the panic, Andrade manages to get a foot on the ball and it somehow pops up over the goal and onto the roof of the net.

However, the referee then calls a foul... that would have been a controversial decision had the ball gone in.

Half-time: England 0-0 Panama

Yeesh. That was a tough watch. After that pulsating win over Croatia, England have not been anywhere near good enough, frankly.

Another half of goalless football drifts by the Three Lions after their bore draw against Ghana on Tuesday.

Marcus Rashford looks England's most dangerous player and a free-kick on the cusp of half-time whizzed past the post, but the Panama goalkeeper has not been threatened.

England have to win tonight, currently, with Croatia leading Ghana - some stern words from Thomas Tuchel surely in the dressing room.

Croatia take the lead - England currently second

The pressure has ramped up on England to get a win after Croatia took the lead through Ghana.

It puts Croatia top of the group - with England currently finishing runners-up in Group L.

That would potentially put England up against... Portugal.

Not much to shout about

First hydration break and there is not much going on here in New Jersey.

England are dominating possession as expected and there has been some neat play but nothing penetrating a Panama defence that is packed in.

On the other end, Jordan Pickford has not been threatened but a couple of counters have perked the interest with so many England players bombing forward.

Kick-off!

The national anthems have been sang and the two teams get underway.

England are looking to finish top of the group while Panama are playing for pride, having lost both of their previous matches to Croatia and Ghana.

The rain is hurtling down in New Jersey but we look okay to start, whether that stays the same remains to be seen.

The pitch at the MetLife Stadium does not look great... and considering this stadium will host the World Cup final, that is a worry.

It is 27 degrees pitchside, it is hot, it is sticky, it is humid - but England expects.

Weather warnings

England's World Cup group stage showdown with Panama could descend into chaos as thunderstorms loom over New York.

Thomas Tuchel's squad head to MetLife Stadium knowing a victory would all but seal top spot in Group L.

It sounds straightforward enough, but Mother Nature might have other plans.

Rain has been battering the East Coast city, raising concerns about potential delays to the crucial fixture.

Read more here.

Tuchel: I am managing Rice

England boss Thomas Tuchel on Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham starting together:

"I take care of Declan's situation. He got a knock but is ready to play but I would like to manage his minutes.

"He has a yellow card so I want to see how this match plays out.

"Is it an intense match, are there a lot of duels, how is the referee with yellow cards?

"I need to get a feel for that and Declan knows that, that's why Jude goes in the eight position and Morgan is on the 10."

England make five changes

Quansah, Rogers, Saka, Rashford and O'Reilly all start as James, Gordon, Madueke, Rice and Spence drop out.

England XI vs Panama: Pickford, O'Reilly, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, Anderson, Rogers, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Rashford

Subs: Rice, Stones, Chalobah, D.Henderson, J.Henderson, Rice, Mainoo, Gordon, Watkins, Madueke, Eze, Toney, Trafford, Spence

Panama civil war in camp

Panama forward Waterman was involved in a heated altercation with teammate Jose Luis Rodriguez during a training session disagreement on Friday, ahead of their World Cup clash with England.

The striker pushed and shoved Rodriguez, with fellow squad members forced to step in and hold Waterman back as he continued confronting his teammate.

Head coach Thomas Christiansen subsequently downplayed the incident.

Panama now face the prospect of matching the longest 100 per cent losing record in World Cup history should they suffer a sixth successive tournament defeat against England on Saturday.

The Central American side's inaugural World Cup appearance in 2018 ended without a single point, losing all three group stage fixtures including a 6-1 thrashing by England.

Tuchel: Saka fit to start

England boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Bukayo Saka is fit to start against Panama after recovering from injury.

The Arsenal winger has been managed carefully throughout the opening stages of the tournament, with Tuchel revealing the decision to ease him back was made alongside Saka and Arsenal's medical staff.

He said: "He is now, since many days, fully free of pain and discomfort and is ready to go and ready to start."

Tuchel believes the cautious approach has paid off, giving England confidence that one of their key attacking players is fully prepared to make his first start of the tournament.

Round of 32 as things stand

The Round of 32 is starting to take shape, with several ties already confirmed while others remain dependent on the final group-stage matches.

Confirmed fixtures:

• South Africa vs Canada
• Brazil vs Japan
• Germany vs Paraguay
• Netherlands vs Morocco
• Ivory Coast vs Norway
• France vs Sweden
• Mexico vs Best third-placed team (Groups C/E/F/H/I)
• Belgium vs Best third-placed team (Groups A/E/H/I/J)
• United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Spain vs Runner-up Group J
• Switzerland vs Best third-placed team (Groups E/F/G/I/J)
• Australia vs Egypt
• Argentina vs Cape Verde

Still to be decided:

• Group L winners vs Best third-placed team (Groups E/H/I/J/K)
• Group K runners-up vs Group L runners-up
• Group K winners vs Best third-placed team (Groups D/E/I/J/L)

The final Round of 32 line-up will be confirmed once the remaining group-stage fixtures have been completed.

England fans turn up in droves

England supporters are descending on New York in their thousands ahead of tonight's decisive World Cup clash with Panama.

The MetLife Stadium is expected to welcome more than 15,000 Three Lions fans, with many having already purchased non-refundable flights for the knockout rounds in anticipation of victory.

Such confidence has seen supporters gamble on Atlanta as their next destination, with a win guaranteeing England's progression to the round of 32.

However, the draw against Ghana created what Thomas Concannon from the Football Supporters' Association described as a "nightmare" for travel planning, with Toronto and Kansas City also potential venues depending on results.

Scotland have just 0.07% chance of qualifying for knockouts 

Scotland now have just a 0.07 per cent chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

The Tartan Army's chances are almost one in 2,000 after Senegal smashed Iraq 5-0 and Iran drew 1-1 with Egypt.

South Korea, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Ecuador and Paraguay had already finished ahead of the Scots on the third-placed table before the latest round of games.

They sit only above Uruguay among third-placed teams and now need three results to go their way.

It will all be over for Scotland tonight unless Ghana beat Croatia by at least three goals.

If that result somehow comes up then a draw between DR Congo and Uzbekistan would suit Scotland in Group K, or an Uzbekistan win by no more than three goals.

If it comes down to the final group, Scotland would need Austria to beat Algeria by two goals, or Algeria to win by four goals.

Souness tears into Gordon

Graeme Souness believes Barcelona may already be questioning their £70million investment in Anthony Gordon after the winger's subdued start to the World Cup with England.

Gordon has struggled to make an impact in matches against Croatia and Ghana, with Thomas Tuchel's side lacking creativity down the left flank.

Writing in the Telegraph, Souness suggested the former Newcastle star has been playing too cautiously and warned such an approach would not be tolerated in Spain.

"If Gordon turns up in Barcelona and plays as conservatively as he did against Croatia and Ghana then he will not be staying in Catalonia for too long," he said.

Tuchel discusses Rashford before Panama

Thomas Tuchel has explained why Marcus Rashford is still waiting for his first England start at the World Cup, despite the forward impressing during his loan spell at Barcelona.

Rashford has scored once in two substitute appearances and remains in contention to face Panama, but Tuchel believes he has been more effective from the bench.

"Marcus is just also very good from the bench," the England boss said.

Tuchel admitted England's left flank has lacked cohesion regardless of personnel, insisting the issue is about balance rather than individuals.

"He's in a good place. He's pushing, he's a candidate to start," he added.

What happened when England last faced Panama?

The two sides last met at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with the Three Lions cruising to a 6-1 win.

Harry Kane scored a hat-trick, John Stones bagged a brace and Jesse Lingard also found the net as Gareth Southgate's side ran riot.

More of the same tonight, please.

Tuchel talks expanded World Cup format

England boss Thomas Tuchel has opened up on the new expanded 48-team format for the World Cup.

"It is what it is. I don't reflect on it in a way that I like it more or less. It is the format. We knew about it, we make the best out of it," he said.

"I think every coach and player would like to play quicker once the tournament starts, to get everything more condensed but it is just not the reality with the amount of teams that participate and that's just what it is.

"It is a big chance, opportunity for teams who have the chance to qualify and have a better chance to qualify. We have to respect that and honour that. It is a massive thing for them."

Shearer explains England dilemma

Alan Shearer says Thomas Tuchel's biggest dilemma is the left wing.

"Probably the biggest call for Tuchel is what he does with his wingers," he said.

"I didn't think Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke were positive enough against Ghana. By that I mean they didn't attack their defender enough when we got the ball out to them out wide.

"Their crossing was really poor as well, and often it didn't beat the first man. Our delivery from set-pieces was not great either, but in open play the service from the wingers was pretty much non-existent.

"That's why I think Tuchel will change it up, and Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have definitely done enough when they have come on in both games to get a chance to start."

Guehi loving life at World Cup

England defender Marc Guehi has admitted he's loving life at the World Cup so far.

"I wouldn't say it was a dream come true because to be honest, I never expected to be in this position. Every single day is a dream. More than a dream," he said.

"To be in this position is a lot of responsibility. I have a lot of responsibility, not just to myself and my family but for those around the world who have this dream and want to achieve something that I want to achieve.

"Looking out, it is important that they know it is more than possible.

"If I am here, they have even more of a chance to be here and do far more than I ever will."

Tuchel jokes about lack of English passport

Thomas Tuchel has joked that the "biggest con" of being England manager is not having an English passport, insisting his nationality has never affected his bond with players or supporters.

The German says he "fell in love" with England during his time at Chelsea and remains grateful for the opportunity to lead the Three Lions.

"No one wants it more than me," he said ahead of tonight's World Cup clash with Panama.

Tuchel added that he feels a strong connection with both the squad and the country, while confirming only Reece James will miss England's final Group L fixture.

What does Tuchel think of Panama? 

Speaking before England's clash tonight, Thomas Tuchel has hailed Panama.

"It is a difficult match against a team that is so difficult to break down. They hardly allow any chances," he said.

"They allowed two shots on target against Croatia. You see a well-coached, well-drilled team. A coach who has been there five or six years.

"They have a clear identity, are in the world rankings on the same level as Wales and Serbia. It's not the most famous, or well-known football nation but they are strong."

Littler aiming to leave England game early

Luke Littler has joked he wants England to make quick work of Panama so he can leave their World Cup clash early.

The darts star will attend the match at the MetLife Stadium after being invited by FIFA, but is also due at the Barclays Center for boxing later that night.

Littler said he hopes England go “three or four nil up” so he can beat the traffic across New York.

The 19-year-old recently won the World Cup of Darts alongside Luke Humphries and now wants Thomas Tuchel’s side to follow suit in North America.

Toney reveals clear the air talks with Tuchel

England striker Ivan Toney has revealed he held "clear the air" talks with Thomas Tuchel after the manager questioned his commitment last year.

Toney, recalled for the World Cup after nearly 12 months out of the squad, says misunderstandings between the pair have now been resolved.

"Maybe miscommunication played a part and that's why we cleared the air," he said. The Al-Ahli forward, who has scored 72 goals in two seasons, insists he remains positive despite not featuring in North America so far.

Toney added that Tuchel now understands "the real me" and hopes to impress when given an opportunity.

Iran coach calls for Gianni Infantino to 'stand up' against US

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to "stand up" to the United States after accusing tournament hosts of treating his team unfairly throughout the World Cup.

Iran were forced to relocate to Mexico after several delegation members were denied US visas and have repeatedly complained about travel arrangements.

"The host country treated us very unfairly," he said.

Tuchel defends controversial call

Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to take only three specialist full-backs to the World Cup after confirming Reece James will miss England's final Group L match against Panama.

The Chelsea defender has stayed in Kansas City after suffering a minor hamstring problem against Ghana and has not trained for two days.

With Tino Livramento already sidelined, questions have resurfaced over Tuchel's squad selection.

However, the England boss insists he has no regrets.

"I'm very happy with everything," he said.

Tuchel remains optimistic James will play again during the tournament, while Bukayo Saka is expected to return.

Iran captain blasts FIFA

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi launched a scathing attack on FIFA after claiming his country's World Cup campaign has become a "disaster" following their dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt.

Iran saw a stoppage-time winner ruled out for offside and now face an anxious wait to discover if they will progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Taremi blamed FIFA for failing to resolve visa issues, travel restrictions and political tensions involving the United States, insisting promises made by president Gianni Infantino were not kept.

"Who wants to help us? No one helps," said the striker after the match.

World Cup fans slammed after disrupting tribute

Fans disrupted a minute's silence for victims of the devastating Venezuela earthquake before Uruguay's World Cup clash with Spain, sparking widespread criticism online.

Players from both nations observed the tribute in honour of those affected by the disaster, which has claimed more than 900 lives, but some spectators shouted during the period of reflection.

Supporters quickly condemned the behaviour, with many branding those responsible "clowns" and urging them to show respect.

Mbappe involved in bizarre ref moment

Kylian Mbappe was involved in a bizarre exchange with referee Michael Oliver during France's 4-1 World Cup victory over Norway yesterday.

The France captain, substituted in the 87th minute, walked over to the English official and handed him his captain's armband before pointing towards Aurelien Tchouameni, indicating his Real Madrid team-mate should take over as skipper.

The unusual moment came amid FIFA's new substitution rules, which require players to leave the pitch within 10 seconds.

Mbappe had earlier provided two assists as France finished top of Group I with a perfect record and set up a last-32 clash with Sweden.

Uruguay star requests own substitution

Fernando Muslera asked to be substituted at half-time after his costly error helped send Uruguay crashing out of the World Cup.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper allowed a tame effort from Alex Baena to slip through his hands in the first half of a 1-0 defeat to Spain, with Marcelo Bielsa later revealing the veteran requested to come off himself.

Sergio Rochet replaced him after the break as Uruguay exited the tournament as the highest-ranked nation eliminated.

Former England goalkeeper Rob Green said Bielsa also shared responsibility, while the defeat allowed surprise package Cape Verde to progress to the knockout stages.

Good morning and welcome to our live blog

If you're reading this bright and early, welcome!

It was tough to sleep in this searing heat last night. But we're here to ensure you stay awake throughout the day and hope you can join us for coverage of England vs Panama at 10pm.

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