England suffered a World Cup setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work still do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.
Nico O’Reilly came closest to scoring with a late header for England that hit the bar, but after the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a performance that will raise doubt sas to their chances of going all the way and winning the tournament.
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They dominated possession and had 19 shots to their opponents’ two, yet rarely looked like scoring past Ghana’s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 fans at the Gillette Stadium near Boston.
Both teams have four points with one game still to play in Group L, with progression to the next round all but assured but their final positions still in the balance.
In damp, cool conditions, England delivered a stodgy performance that echoed some of their faltering displays during Euro 2024.
However, there are no dramatic consequences, as England take a step closer to the last 32. All they need do now is safely negotiate their final group fixture against Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and they will be able to turn their attentions to the knockout rounds.
England have still never lost to African opposition at the World Cup, and that record was rarely at risk of ending here.
Ghana nevertheless battled brilliantly, as the nation ranked 73rd in the world – 69 places behind England – put up a determined defensive display.
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“It’s always difficult when you play against eleven behind the ball,” England’s Declan Rice told BBC after the match.
“Give credit to Ghana, they were very compact. It was tough. They are good players.
“We keep going, we still have a great chance of finishing top of the group. There’s no need to be negative; we need to stay positive.”
Former England defender Micah Richards added on BBC One: “The frustrating thing was that England weren’t brave enough.
“Yes we knew they were coming up against a team that would set up in a low block but I just felt that there were too many safe passes. You need to be more brave when you come up against a team in a low block.”
The late decision by the Black Stars to appoint Carlos Queiroz as coach is looking increasingly justified, with this result following their opening 1-0 win over Panama. The 2010 quarter-finalists face Croatia next in Philadelphia.
Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama match in Toronto because Canadian authorities denied him a visa – the ex-Arsenal midfielder is facing trial on rape charges in the UK.
Asare of local side Hearts of Oak started in goal for the Ghanaians after coming on for the injured Lawrence Ati Zigi against Panama.
England’s inability to regularly test him will be a source of concern, as Harry Kane was kept quiet and failed to add to his 10 World Cup goals – he remains level with Gary Lineker for now as their all-time top scorer at the tournament.
Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon were unable to make the difference on the wings and their substitutes could not this time have a decisive impact.
Jude Bellingham won his 50th cap as Marc Guehi and Djed Spence replaced John Stones and O’Reilly in the defence.
A Rice free-kick that sailed just over was about as close as England came in the opening half. In fact it took almost an hour for Asare to make a notable save, but it was a comfortable one to deny Gordon.
Ghana may feel Jordan Pickford should have been punished for charging out of his box and crashing into Prince Adu without touching the ball — but instead the goalkeeper was given a free-kick.
There was also panic for England when substitute Adu ran through into the area but could not get a shot away.
Then the pressure was turned up a notch in the closing minutes, as Asare denied Bukayo Saka with a good stop low to his left before O’Reilly headed off the woodwork from close range and Kane blazed over.
“I was kind of just there waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way,” Kane told BBC after the game.
“It was kind of a game as a striker, where you’re kind of just waiting for the ball to bounce, and it did.
“I just couldn’t quite get over the ball. I back to myself to score that more often than not.
“So it is what it is. I’ve been a striker long enough to know they don’t always go in, so I have to accept it.”
England had 78.8 per cent possession, the highest figure on record for any team in a World Cup match that failed to score.
“It’s not a disaster because England will get out of the group and it’s likely they will beat Panama and top the group,” former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I think that type of performance does act as a reality check. It will be interesting to have interviews and see what the players say. They were pretty level after the Croatia game and I’m sure it’ll be the same.
“A point in the grand scheme of things will help England progress through the tournament.”