England claimed top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama in the group decider, closing the phase on seven points. The win also meant England kept Panama scoreless across all three of their group matches, underlining the group leaders’ defensive control on their way into the last 16.
Croatia secured second place in the same group thanks to a 2-1 win against Ghana. That result locked Croatia into the knockout rounds and left Ghana waiting on other groups, but their four points proved enough to qualify as one of the best third-place teams.
With England, Croatia and Ghana all progressing, Group L sends three teams into the last 16 and shapes a crowded knockout bracket. Panama finish fourth in the section and exit the competition after failing to take a point or find the net against the group’s qualifiers.