FOXBOROUGH, United States — England’s World Cup campaign hit a stumbling block on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resolute Ghana side at Gillette Stadium, despite dominating possession and outshooting the Black Stars 19-2.
The Three Lions, who had impressed in their opening 4-2 victory over Croatia, controlled the game with nearly 79 percent possession but struggled to break down a compact and well-organised Ghanaian defence marshalled by Thomas Partey. England took 57 minutes to register their first shot on target, with Ghana’s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, of local side Hearts of Oak, remaining largely untroubled until the closing stages.
England’s best opportunities arrived late in the game. Bukayo Saka forced a fine save from Asare in the 86th minute, before substitute Nico O’Reilly headed against the crossbar from close range. The rebound fell invitingly to captain Harry Kane, but the England record goalscorer uncharacteristically blazed his effort over the bar, holding his head in his hands as a golden chance to secure victory went begging.
Ghana, ranked 73rd in the world, also threatened on the counter-attack. Substitute Prince Adu nearly capitalised on a moment of panic in the England defence, but could not get a shot away after being challenged by Ezri Konsa. Abdul Fatawu also caused problems, but Antoine Semenyo’s shot was blocked on the line by a teammate.
The result leaves both teams level on four points in Group L, with England top on goal difference. The Three Lions will face Panama in their final group fixture on Saturday, needing at least a point to secure their place in the last 32. Ghana, meanwhile, will take on Croatia in a decisive encounter.
Jude Bellingham, winning his 50th cap, acknowledged the frustration, telling the BBC: “It’s very frustrating. It feels like we’ve got that ‘second-game fever’ again. In most tournaments I’ve played, it’s been the same: a decent performance and good win in the first game, then a tougher second one.”
