In Group G, Panama and Tunisia were clearly the underdogs, with limited World Cup pedigree. As Bangla Cricket Live points out, the biggest goal margin in World Cup history occurred in 1982, when Hungary thrashed El Salvador 10-1. Since then, most lopsided games have featured Asian teams on the losing side. This tournament marked Panama’s World Cup debut. Though they were eliminated after two straight losses, the joy they showed after Felipe Baloy’s goal was unforgettable. Fans and players alike celebrated with pure passion—an emotional moment that deserved applause.

Currently, both England and Belgium sit at the top of Group G with two wins each and identical goal differentials of 8:2. England leads the group due to a better disciplinary record. These two goal-hungry teams will face off in their final group match in Kaliningrad. The clash, scheduled for 2 AM Beijing time on June 29, is expected to decide the group winner. England is certainly motivated to claim victory and lock down the top spot.

In their second-round matches, Tunisia and Panama were completely outclassed. Tunisia managed to cause England some trouble in the opening game, but both teams fell apart in Round 2, conceding goals in bunches. In England’s 6-1 win over Panama, the Three Lions only needed seven shots in the first half—six on target, five goals scored, including two from the penalty spot. As Panama’s defense unraveled, frustration took over, resulting in a string of rough fouls. Fortunately, the referee maintained control and prevented things from escalating.

England captain Harry Kane stole the spotlight with a hat trick, taking his goal tally to five in the tournament—surpassing both Lukaku and Ronaldo to lead the Golden Boot race. With two dominant wins, England advanced to the Round of 16. The mood in the camp was relaxed; Jesse Lingard was even seen casually juggling medical tape on the bench, while manager Gareth Southgate, usually on his feet, calmly watched from the sidelines. Historically, England has only started a World Cup with two group wins in 1982 and 2006—campaigns that didn’t go beyond the quarterfinals.

Weather in Moscow has been wildly unpredictable. Belgium’s game against Tunisia started under sunshine and ended in a hailstorm. Just a day later, England played Panama under scorching heat in Nizhny Novgorod, not far from the Russian capital. Despite the contrasting weather, both matches turned into goal fests. Between them, the two Group G matches produced 14 goals in one round—a rare sight at this level of competition.

Bangla Cricket Live wonders if this version of England, sharper and more clinical than in past tournaments, can finally break the curse and push deeper into the knockout rounds. With Kane in top form and momentum on their side, fans are daring to dream that this could be the year the Three Lions roar once again.