England's players have been urged to 'step up' ahead of the World Cup knockout stage. The call to action comes after a 2-0 victory against Panama, which saw Jude Bellingham score the opener.
Bellingham has been hailed as England's best player at the World Cup so far, looking sharp and lively on the pitch. He is the only player who appears to be in form and fresh, having played at the expected level.
The team's performance against Panama has raised concerns that they need to improve significantly to progress in the tournament. The back four looked vulnerable at times, allowing Panama to cut through on several occasions.
England's next opponents are likely to be either Senegal or DR Congo, and pundits believe that Senegal would 'fancy their chances' against the team. They have seen how Ghana and Panama frustrated England's attacking players, and may look to adopt a similar approach.
The pressure is on England to deliver, having set a high standard in recent tournaments. The team's players have been praised for their past performances, but now they need to live up to expectations and produce results.
Some have questioned whether Bellingham would make it into England's best line-up for the World Cup, but his performances have silenced critics. He has been backed by those who have seen him play, and is known for his confidence and ability to take on opponents.
