England's World Cup campaign hit a wall on Tuesday as they played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana at the Gillette Stadium in Boston. Just six days after an impressive 2-0 victory over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel's side looked disjointed and devoid of ideas, failing to register a shot on target until the 57th minute.
Second-Game Syndrome Strikes Again
England have now failed to win their second group game in their last three major tournaments. In the 2022 World Cup, they beat Iran 6-2 before being held by the United States. At Euro 2021, they defeated Croatia only to draw with Scotland, and at Euro 2024, they beat Serbia before a stalemate with Denmark. The last time England won their opening two games was at the 2018 World Cup when they beat Tunisia and Panama.
Harry Kane, who had a quiet game by his standards, reminded the squad in a team meeting about the importance of maintaining standards and momentum. However, the message did not translate onto the pitch.
Tuchel Rings the Changes
Tuchel made two changes from the Croatia win, bringing in Marc Guehi and Djed Spence for John Stones and Nico O'Reilly respectively. Spence immediately courted controversy by appearing to snub a handshake from Ghana's Thomas Partey, who is awaiting trial on rape and sexual assault charges. On the field, England were sluggish. Declan Rice tried to drive forward, but Kane barely got a kick. Anthony Gordon ran down blind alleys, and Jude Bellingham was crowded out.
Ghana offered little going forward, but England's build-up play was painfully slow. At half-time, assistant coach Anthony Barry's TV interview pleaded for patience, calling it an 'OK half.'
Second-Half Struggles
England's first shot on target came in the 57th minute when Noni Madueke's shot was blocked, and Gordon's rebound was saved by Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Tuchel turned to Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers for inspiration, but the breakthrough never came.
Ghana nearly stole the win when substitute Prince Adu burst through, forcing Jordan Pickford to race off his line. Initially looking like a foul, replays showed Pickford won the ball. Late on, Adu escaped again, and Ezri Konsa's desperate tackle missed the ball entirely. Saka forced a fine save, and Nico O'Reilly headed against the crossbar before Kane slashed over the bar in stoppage time.
What's Next for England?
The draw leaves England with four points from two games, likely still in control of Group H but missing a chance to seal top spot early. Tuchel will need to address the lack of creativity and urgency if England are to go deep in the tournament. The feel-good factor from the Croatia win has evaporated, replaced by familiar frustration.
