The 25-year-old has left his mark on the tournament with a special strike from distance.
England midfielder Jesse Lingard celebrates after scoring (Photo: AFP)
Fans at the 2018 FIFA World Cup were treated to a goalfest on Sunday as there was a deluge of netbusters, but the icing on the cake certainly has to be Jesse Lingard’s thunderbolt from the edge of the penalty area during England’s 6-1 romp over debutants Panama.
The 25-year-old, who really came into his own for Manchester United last season, opened his account at the World Cup in style as he fired one past the Central Americans in the 36th minute:
What a goal, @JesseLingard! 🙌#threelions pic.twitter.com/QRH7rH3LSV
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— England (@England) June 24, 2018
While the quality of England’s opposition wasn’t world class, the strike definitely was and even the best keepers on the planet would have struggled to keep Lingard’s effort out.
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Three Lions skipper Harry Kane netted a hat-trick, overtaking Romelu Lukaku of Belgium and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in the Golden Boot race as Gareth Southgate’s men laid down a marker.
The England striker has five goals to his name, while Lukaku and Ronaldo are tied second with four strikes apiece.
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Surprisingly, centre-back John Stones scored a brace to complete the resounding scoreline as England laid down a marker by becoming the first team to score six at the World Cup.
They next face an in-form Belgium side in a top-of the group clash on Thursday night (11.30 PM IST).
Traditionally England have been severe under performers at football’s biggest stage, having won the World Cup just once, way back in 1966.
A trophy drought of a half-decade has seen their side enter this year’s tournament with low expectations, but after two wins from two, the nation is believing once again.
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