FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — England walked away with just a point Tuesday after a disciplined Ghana squad held them scoreless in their second World Cup Group L contest, finishing in a 0-0 draw that left both teams well positioned to advance — but disappointed manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad following their opening 4-2 triumph over Croatia.
Ghana entered the match fresh off a dramatic last-second 1-0 win over Panama and made their defensive intentions obvious from the opening whistle, setting up to neutralize England’s attacking game.
Playing through steady rain, England controlled possession for nearly 80% of the first half but could rarely generate quality chances. Ghana players crowded England captain Harry Kane and his teammates whenever they threatened near goal.
The first 45 minutes were historic for the wrong reasons — it marked the first half in any match at this World Cup where neither team registered a single shot on target. One of the loudest crowd reactions came when former England captain David Beckham appeared on the stadium’s giant screens, watching the match from the stands in a suit at the New England Patriots’ NFL home near Boston.
Tuchel had anticipated Ghana’s organized defensive approach, noting beforehand that coach Carlos Queiroz — now at his fifth World Cup as a head coach — had deep familiarity with English football from two stints as assistant manager at Manchester United.
England assistant coach Anthony Barry described Ghana’s defensive setup at halftime as defending “deep, deep, deep, probably deeper than we expected,” urging his side to remain patient.
In search of a breakthrough, Tuchel sent on Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilly in the 65th minute, then brought in Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze shortly after, and eventually introduced Marcus Rashford as well.
Ghana kept England honest on the counter, with the speed of Antoine Semenyo and substitute Prince Kwabena Adu posing a threat on the break.
England’s clearest opportunity came in the 86th minute when O’Reilly’s header struck the crossbar and Kane drove the rebound over the net.
“I just couldn’t quite get over the ball,” Kane said afterward. “But, yeah, I’m backing myself to score that more often than not. So, it is what it is. I’ve been a striker long enough to know they don’t always go in, so I have to accept it.”
Ghana coach Queiroz expressed pride in how his players executed the game plan against a formidable opponent.
“I am so proud, the way our players they fought during the game, how much they stand behind the game plan,” the Portuguese veteran said.
The draw extended a notable pattern for England — it was the fourth consecutive time at a major tournament, spanning two European Championships and now two World Cups, that they have drawn their second group stage match.
Croatia and Panama, both still without a point, were set to face each other later Tuesday.
