After the celebrations following the strong second half showing against Croatia, this clash with Ghana gave England a chance to secure top spot in the group and begin looking at rotation ahead of the final game against Panama. However, a resolute and compact Ghana defensive unit had other plans and despite England’s efforts, their star names couldn’t get this one over the line and actually looked at times like they could be hit on a counter attack with Ghana’s strong attacking line.

Despite the game and result, England still remain top of Group L and with Panama remaining they’ll feel fairly confident of seeing this one through even after this underwhelming display across the board.

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Teams

England: Pickford, Spence (O’Reilly 65′), Guehi, Konsa, James, Rice, Anderson (Eze 74′), Gordon (Saka 65′), Bellingham (Rogers 74′), Madueke (Rashford 83′), Kane

Subs: Henderson, Trafford, Burn, Quansah, Stones, Chalobah, Henderson, Mainoo, Toney, Watkins

Ghana: Asare, Mensah, Opoku, Adjetey, Senaya (Oppong 87′), Sibo, Partey, Yirenkyi, Semenyo, Ayew (Fatawu 66′), Williams (Adu 66′ – Baba 90′)

Subs: Anang, Ati-Zigi, Mumin, Seidu, Luckassen, Baah, Owusu, Nuamah, Sulemana, Boakye, Thomas-Asante

England 0-0 Ghana

England were left frustrated as a determined Ghana side battled to a hard-earned 0-0 draw in a tense World Cup Group L encounter at Boston Stadium on Tuesday evening. Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated possession for long spells and created the better openings, but they found Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and a disciplined Black Stars defence in outstanding form. The result leaves both nations on four points heading into the final round of group fixtures, with qualification for the Round of 32 still firmly in their own hands.

The Three Lions controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, patiently probing for gaps against Ghana’s compact defensive shape. Despite enjoying almost constant possession, clear-cut chances were at a premium before the interval. Declan Rice came closest in the opening period with a looping header that drifted over the crossbar, while Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke looked the most likely to unlock the stubborn Ghanaian back line. Ghana, meanwhile, remained disciplined throughout, restricting England to speculative efforts while looking to spring forward on the counter whenever opportunities presented themselves.

England increased the pressure after the restart and came within inches of breaking the deadlock on several occasions. Elliot Anderson saw a close-range header brilliantly blocked before Anthony Gordon forced Asare into another smart save. Harry Kane then tested the Ghana goalkeeper with a low strike, but Asare was equal to it once again. Ghana almost stole victory with ten minutes remaining when Abdul Fatawu raced clear, only for Ezri Konsa to recover superbly before Antoine Semenyo inadvertently blocked his team-mate’s follow-up effort on the goal line. England’s best opportunity arrived late on as Nico O’Reilly’s header crashed against the crossbar from Reece James’ inviting delivery, with Kane blazing the rebound high over the bar from close range.

Although England extended their unbeaten start to the tournament, there was a sense of disappointment at full-time after failing to convert their dominance into three points. Ghana, however, deserved enormous credit for an organised, resilient display that frustrated one of the tournament favourites throughout the contest. With everything still to play for on the final matchday, England know victory over Panama will guarantee top spot in the group, while Ghana can also book their place in the knockout stages with a positive result against Croatia after another impressive defensive performance in Boston.

Talking Points

The first talking point from a largely uneventful game is the team selection from Thomas Tuchel compared to the opener. We saw John Stones and Nico O’Reilly replaced in the starting XI by Djed Spence and Marc Guehi. These were quite expected changes, with Guehi a surprise not to be in the starting XI against Croatia, and with John Stones fitness under question due to limited game time this season, it’s likely we will see more of Marc Guehi from here on. Meanwhile, Djed Spence makes sense in this game for left-back as his pace is useful for overlapping with Gordon in attacks but also against a tough test from Semenyo and Williams in the Ghana attack, he could help in defence to prevent any counter-attacking situations. Spence is likely to remain a useful option on either flank of the defence depending on the opposition and approach Tuchel wants to take.

Another talking point does have to be the drop-off from England and the relative highs of the second half against Croatia. With England hitting Croatia for 4 and the celebrations with the fans post-game, this felt like a complete reset to the dull England performance in which the star names are unable to break down a resolute and compact defence. While later opponents wouldn’t sit back perhaps in the same way, this still leads England fans to frustration knowing they need to be doing more in these tight games or they could come unstuck in a tense knockout clash.

Finally, England sit after this game top of Group L and look still likely favourites to remain top and end up on what would likely be the more favourable side of the knockout rounds. With Ghana and Croatia facing off in the final game, England can rest a bit easier with the knowledge that on paper their easiest opponent remains, however Panama have looked okay in their two games despite suffering back to back 1-0 defeats.