England was held to a goalless draw by Ghana on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium near Boston, a result that leaves both teams with work to do heading into their final group matches.
Thomas Tuchel's side dominated possession and had 19 shots at goal to Ghana's two, yet they rarely tested stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in front of 63,983 fans. Nico O'Reilly came closest to scoring with a late header that struck the bar. Harry Kane was kept quiet throughout and failed to add to his 10 World Cup goals, leaving him level with Gary Lineker as England's all-time top scorer at the tournament.
According to Al Jazeera, the result followed England's opening 4-2 win over Croatia. The 0-0 draw raised doubts about England's ability to go deep into the tournament. Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon were unable to make a difference on the wings, and substitutes did not provide a decisive impact.
Both teams now have four points with one group game remaining. England's final Group L fixture is against Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday. A positive result there would secure their place in the knockout rounds.
Ghana, ranked 73rd in the world, 69 places behind England, put up a determined defensive display. The Black Stars entered the match on the back of a 1-0 win over Panama, and their late appointment of Carlos Queiroz as coach is drawing positive attention. Ghana face Croatia next in Philadelphia.
Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama match in Toronto. Canadian authorities had denied him a visa. The former Arsenal midfielder is facing trial on rape charges in the United Kingdom. Asare of Ghanaian club Hearts of Oak started in goal after coming on for injured Lawrence Ati Zigi against Panama.
England have still never lost to an African opponent at the World Cup, and that record was rarely in danger Tuesday. The performance, however, drew comparisons to some of England's faltering displays during Euro 2024.
