Jude Bellingham lifts lid on England half-time talks after World Cup victory over Panama

Jude Bellingham has revealed the simple half-time message that inspired England to beat Panama after the Three Lions booked their place in the World Cup knockout stages as group winners.Thomas Tuchel's side endured another frustrating opening 45 minutes in New Jersey, dominating possession but struggling to break down a disciplined Panama defence.England went into the interval locked at 0-0 and looked short of ideas in the final third, with Tuchel cutting an animated figure on the touchline throughout the first half.But the Three Lions emerged transformed after the restart. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Bellingham broke the deadlock with a clever finish from a corner on 62 minutes before turning provider five minutes later, delivering a pinpoint cross for Harry Kane to head home England's second and become the country's leading goalscorer at World Cup finals.After the match, Bellingham revealed there was no panic inside the dressing room during the break, insisting the players simply believed they needed to find another level.[At half time we said] you're doing well, keep going, Bellingham said.Another gear, nothing crazy. We knew what level we were at and what level we want to achieve and we did it in the second half.The victory ensured England finished top of their group and set up a Round of 32 showdown with DR Congo, but Bellingham stressed the squad are refusing to look beyond the next challenge.The Real Madrid midfielder believes England are progressing exactly as planned and insists there is still much more to come.First job achieved, he said.We came here to do it in sections. We got through the pre-camp games really well and now we have achieved that first objective, which was to get through the group and top it as well.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Rory McIlroy at risk of suspension ahead of The OpenRoy Keane tears into Thomas Tuchel after England World Cup win over Panama - 'Hasn't got a clue'Alan Shearer calls out two England stars after Panama win as Thomas Tuchel left furiousWe have got to try and improve every game and it's up to us to do that.Bellingham's goal was his second of the tournament, yet the 23-year-old admitted he actually took greater satisfaction from creating Kane's record-breaking strike.The assist [pleased me most], he added.It was a good combination of play and to give it to Harry [Kane] who continues to raise his level is incredible. Everything he deserves.You see the effort he puts in as a captain and how he leads us. The quality speaks for itself - he's the best.Kane was equally complimentary about the midfielder after another commanding display, describing Bellingham as one of England's driving forces.Another top performance [from Bellingham], Kane said.Jude looks fit and sharp with the bit between his teeth, really to go out there and prove to the world what type of player he is.He showed that again today. It's fantastic to play with him. The cross he put in for my goal just shows his quality.His effort, non-stop running, tackling, tracking back - that's the type of player we want in our team.Jude is a fantastic runner with the ball, and without the ball, making runs in behind from deep. He's so hard to track, he's strong and physical.Wherever he plays, he's effective. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter