England could only muster a point as they were kept out by Ghana at World Cup 2026. And media from rival nations didn't mince words when evaluating the Three Lions' performance and title chances.
After an opening 4-2 victory against Croatia, Tuchel's men appeared to have Group L at their mercy and a country believing again. But what should perhaps have been a straightforward game against Ghana ended in a lifeless stalemate.
Carlos Queiroz's side were solid at the back from minute one, and it took almost an hour for England to register their first shot on target. Harry Kane squandered a late opportunity, and both teams stayed locked at 0-0.
German Media: 'Old England is Back'
Media in Tuchel's homeland issued a rather damning verdict, with Der Spiegel headlining its report: 'Old England is back.' It continued: 'The game was reminiscent of Tuchel's more staid days at Bayern Munich.'
'And in terms of the result, it was more in line with his predecessor, Gareth Southgate, whose team never scored more than two goals in any match at Euro 2024, yet still managed to reach the final. That, too, is something Tuchel's football is capable of.'
It also claimed, regarding the affection shown after the Croatia win: 'This love could quickly give way to British frustration. Even reaching the World Cup final would not be considered a success for Tuchel if they fail to win the title.'
Spanish Publication AS Targets Bellingham
Spanish publication AS also took a critical tone with England's draw, singling out three players in particular and shining the spotlight on Jude Bellingham.
A report reads: 'A point apiece at the Boston Stadium in a lacklustre match where Bellingham, Gordon and Kane couldn't offer much. Lukewarm and failing to capitalise on their scoring opportunities, England let it slip.'
'Tuchel's revolution was extinguished by the African heat. Dominance without goals is nothing. The ghosts of the past reappeared, much to the German's despair on the sidelines. His shouts and instructions fell on deaf ears. Bellingham, the hero against the checkered ones (Croatia), was disconnected.'
'Pragmatism and mysticism reigned. Bellingham continued to wander aimlessly around the pitch and was substituted by Morgan Rogers midway through the second half.'
'They were cursed. They couldn't do anything right, almost like a toddler just learning to walk. Minutes from the end came the final blow in the double chance that symbolised England's failure: the very image of a defeated England, afraid of repeating past mistakes.'
L'Equipe Highlights England's Powerlessness
L'Equipe of France also pulled no punches as they evaluated England's second group stage clash: 'Since the Three Lions' performance at every World Cup inevitably sparks a kind of hysteria in the country, one can imagine that the wild fervour following their convincing victory against Croatia in Dallas will likely give way to widespread dejection in the coming days.'
'For on Tuesday, in Foxborough and under persistent rain, England proved completely powerless against Ghana's remarkably solid and compact defensive unit.'
'The English had to wait until the 57th minute to register their first shot on target, courtesy of Anthony Gordon, which proved harmless, as did Kane's subsequent effort, which was surprisingly quiet.'
'Worse still, as the minutes ticked by, Tuchel's men became increasingly nervous, sensing that the situation was slipping away from them. They almost secured their place in the knockout stage, but without reassuring their boisterous fans.'
