Jude Bellingham fired England to top spot in Group L as Harry Kane also became the Three Lions' all-time record scorer at World Cup finals, surpassing Gary Lineker, in a 2-0 win over Panama.
Brilliant Bellingham broke the deadlock with a hooked finish from a corner on 62 minutes to shatter the tension after a stuttering opening hour from Thomas Tuchel's men. Bellingham, playing deep in midfield, was here there and everywhere throughout and shortly after scoring he turned provider, teeing up captain Kane to head in his third of the tournament.
England were some way from their best throughout a rather turgid first half where they didn't really settle and looked shaky defensively. But they took control in the second period and perhaps could have won by more as the game became stretched late on and chances went begging.
It wasn't all good news though, as the England right-back curse struck again. Jarell Quansah hobbled off with a muscle injury, placing his involvement in the rest of the World Cup in serious doubt. That right-back spot is fast becoming a major problem.
