England legend David Beckham predicted Ghana would frustrate the Three Lions in their lacklustre 0-0 draw during the World Cup match in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Beckham's pre-match nine-word observation proved to be a remarkably apt summary of proceedings.
Jeremy Clarkson, writing in The Sun, revealed Beckham said: "They didn't want to win, only to not lose." The former England captain cut a typically stylish figure as he stood alongside son Cruz in a private box for the match.
Beckham's Insight Overheard
Clarkson wrote: "They didn't want to win, only to not lose. That may sound like a curiously expert opinion from someone who isn't one, so I should explain I didn't think of it. David Beckham did."
Clarkson went on to reveal that the former Real Madrid star arrived at his box before kick-off, and the ex-Top Gear presenter overheard him telling former Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington "it would be a tough game" given that Ghana were battling for the point that kept their qualification hopes very much alive.
The 66-year-old wrote that he regretted not asking the Inter Miami co-owner "some more questions about tactics," but confessed he couldn't think of any, so he spent his time talking to Beckham's manager instead.
England's Frustrating Performance
Like countless others, Beckham endured a difficult evening watching England labour in Boston. He buried his head in his hands after Harry Kane spurned a glorious chance to secure a late winner. The Three Lions, who take on Panama on Saturday night, remain strong favourites to progress to the next round, however.
Speaking after the match, England captain Harry Kane told BBC Sport: "You go through games like that. I was waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way, and it was a game as a striker where you are just waiting for the ball to bounce. It did, and I just couldn't quite get over the ball. Yeah, I'd back myself to score that more often than not, but it is what it is, and I've been a striker long enough to know they don't always go in, so I have to accept it."
Tuchel Praises Ghana's Defence
England manager Thomas Tuchel heaped praise on Ghana, but acknowledged it had been a frustrating affair. He said: "I knew it would be a difficult game. I hardly saw a team defend so physical and so committed like Ghana did, so give credit to them.
"It was difficult to break them down, we needed to be patient, to be precise, to commit and be brave, but you can never for one second open spaces for counter-attacks. We conceded only two and they were very dangerous so we were very aware of that.
"I think at the end of the halves we grew into it, we were pushing and pushing, I liked the attitude, we needed a bit of luck, we had enough shots, we had enough crosses, we had enough set-pieces to score the first goal, we had a chance with Harry and it is what it is."
