Newsletters
England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana on Monday in a World Cup Group L match at Gillette Stadium, a result that leaves both teams in contention heading into the final round of group play but raises questions about England's ability to break down organized defenses.
Before a crowd of 63,983, Ghana executed a disciplined low-block strategy from the opening whistle, sitting deep and looking to exploit England on the counterattack.
Despite dominating possession and registering 19 shots, England managed to test goalkeeper Benjamin Asare only three times.
Their combined expected goals (xG) value stood at 1.28, compared to Ghana's 0.29 from just two attempts.
England, who beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener, found themselves stifled by a compact Ghana defensive structure that conceded space sparingly.
The first half produced no shots on target from either side, a first for this tournament. Declan Rice fired a free-kick over the bar and Harry Kane had an effort deflected wide before the interval.
Manager Thomas Tuchel, who drew praise for his halftime talk in the Croatia match, again sought answers at the break, but the second half followed a similar pattern.
England held 88 percent possession during stretches of the first half, yet struggled to convert territorial control into meaningful openings.
Ghana made four changes from the side that beat Panama 1-0 in their opener. Thomas Partey returned to midfield after being denied entry to Canada for that match, while Benjamin Asare started in goal in place of Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Carlos Queiroz's side caused England a genuine scare in the 79th minute when Declan Rice lost the ball to Fatawu Issahaku, who played Prince Adu through one-on-one with Jordan Pickford. Ezri Konsa intervened with a last-ditch challenge before an offside was signaled.
England's clearest opportunity came in the 86th minute when substitute Nico O'Reilly connected with a cross from Reece James and struck the crossbar.
Kane's follow-up from close range went over. Moments later in stoppage time, a Rice corner was worked to Marc Guehi, whose header was cleared off the line by Peprah Oppong, with replays suggesting it may have been heading wide.
With the draw confirmed, Ghana remain in the top two of Group L and will face Croatia in their final match. England, still well-positioned in the group, meet Panama.
Tuchel made several second-half substitutions in search of a breakthrough, introducing Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford, and Morgan Rogers, though none proved decisive.
Declan Rice was booked in the first half for a late challenge, and Ghana's Inaki Williams received a yellow card in the 60th minute for catching Anthony Gordon on the heel.
The result is not a critical blow to England's World Cup ambitions, but the failure to break down a well-organized lower-ranked side may give cause for concern as the competition progresses.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
