John Stones headed home in the 8th minute to take England’s set-piece conversion tally to 3. That was 3 in 3, at the time. Shortly afterwards, Harry Kane banged one in from the spot and the striker’s finish oozed with confidence.
But the real surprise was yet to come. After Lingard put the result beyond doubt, England went on to pull off a sophisticated freekick routine that paid dividends. Trippier took the freekick short to Henderson who flicked it into the box. Hendo’s ball was met at the right side of the post by Kane and he headed it across goal.
Raheem Sterling should have nodded it home but somehow, Penedo had it covered. However, the Panama goalkeeper could only parry it straight to John Stones who poked it home without causing further complications.
6 of England’s 8 goals in this World Cup have come from set-pieces and they really look like a difficult team to negotiate with from the dead ball.