England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in Group L at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, as Carlos Queiroz’s side neutralised the Three Lions’ attacking threat.
After England’s impressive opener against Croatia, Ghana adopted a disciplined 5-4-1 defensive shape that proved effective throughout.
Thomas Partey returned to the Ghana midfield after missing the Panama game and helped close passing lanes, leaving Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson unable to find the rhythm that had troubled opponents earlier in the tournament.
England dominated possession but seldom converted it into clear chances. Harry Kane, pursuing the World Cup goals record and a landmark to overtake Gary Lineker, was routinely crowded out by Jonas Adjetey and Jerome Opoku and received little service.
The draw halts England’s perfect start and leaves both England and Ghana level on four points at the top of Group L with one match remaining.
England manager Thomas Tuchel showed visible frustration on the touchline and made substitutions in the second half, bringing on Bukayo Saka for Anthony Gordon and Nico O’Reilly for Djed Spence, but the changes could not break down Ghana’s compact defence.
The structural tweaks brought a brief flurry of intensity. Bellingham found joy drifting into inside-right channels, and Rice saw a drilled effort deflected just over Benjamin Asare’s crossbar.
Ghana tried severally to hit England on the counter, utilising the pace of Iñaki Williams and strength of Antoine Semenyo but the end product was shoddy.
In the dying stages, the Black Stars withdrew further into their shell, successfully running down the clock with the late introductions of Kojo Oppong and Baba Rahman.
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