England produced a disjointed performance in a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel frustrated and raising questions about their World Cup credentials. After an impressive attacking display against Croatia, the Three Lions were slow in possession and lacked urgency, managing only one shot on target until the 57th minute.
Key Moments and Tactical Issues
Harry Kane blazed over the best chance late on, smashing high over the crossbar from eight yards after Nico O'Reilly's header hit the bar. Tuchel was visibly frustrated on the touchline, particularly with Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence in the second half. The match will also be remembered for Spence refusing to shake hands with Thomas Partey before kick-off, which drew boos from England fans.
England must now beat Panama in New Jersey to win the group and secure a favourable draw in the round of 32.
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford 6 – Largely a spectator as Ghana offered little going forward. Lucky when Adu messed up a break.
Reece James 6 – Did a decent job to restrict Antoine Semenyo and limit his openings.
Ezri Konsa 7 – Kept things tight at the back and is now clearly Tuchel's No.1 centre-half.
Marc Guehi 7 – Solid enough in for John Stones, though England missed his build-up play. Man of the match.
Djed Spence 7 – Made a terrific covering block to deny Senaya and showed lightning pace.
Elliot Anderson 7 – One of England's better players, used and kept the ball well.
Declan Rice 6 – Booked. Looked bright early but ran out of space; subdued by his standards.
Noni Madueke 6 – Got into good crossing positions but wasted them with poor deliveries.
Jude Bellingham 7 – Gave every ounce of energy, tracking back and almost trying to do too much.
Anthony Gordon 5 – So poor. Offered little going forward, slack defensively; will do well to keep his place.
Harry Kane 5 – Just could not get into the game, dropped too deep, and was very disappointing.
Substitutes and Opposition
Substitutes: O'Reilly (for Spence, 66'), Saka (for Gordon, 66'), Eze (for Anderson, 72'), Rogers (for Bellingham, 72'). Not used: Burn, Chalobah, J Henderson, D Henderson, Mainoo, Quansah, Rashford, Stones, Toney, Trafford, Watkins.
Ghana (4-3-3): Asare 7; Senaya 7, Adjetey 6, Opoku 7, Mensah 6; Yirenkyi 7, Partey 6, Sibo 6; Williams 6 (Fatawu 67', 6), Ayew 6 (Adu 67', 6), Semenyo 6. Not used: Adu, Anang, Baba, Boakye, Bonsu Baah, Luckassen, Mumin, Nuamah, Owusu, Peprah Oppong.
Referee: Said Martinez
Man of the match: Marc Guehi – Did not put a foot wrong.
