After Wednesday's win against Croatia, Thomas Tuchel's England were left frustrated by a compact Ghana side, leaving their hopes of topping Group L in the balance.
After the 0-0 draw England have all but secured passage through to the knockout rounds, securing 4 points from their two games, but still have work to do to against Panama to claim top spot in Group L.
England lacking a clinical edge
It took England 57 minutes to register their first shot on target with a tame effort from Anthony Gordon straight at Ghana keeper Benjamin Asare. The nation were hoping for a repeat of Tuchel's inspirational half-time team-talk which galvanised his side six days earlier against Croatia. However, the German turned to his bench as he looked to inspire some attacking intent into the side and made a double change in the 65th minute with Bukayo Saka and Nico O'Reilly coming on, looking to find an opener.
Saka looked lively and all but for a fine save from Benjamin Asare would have had his first goal of the 2026 World Cup. Shortly after, Nico O'Reilly headed against the bar with the rebound falling to Harry Kane who lashed his volleyed effort over the bar with the goal at his peril.
Ghana never looked like troubling Jordan Pickford's goal but with attacking changes made by the England coach they saw the chance to catch them on the counter late on. With 10 minutes to go, Eberechi Eze was brushed off the ball by Leicester City's Fatawu and found substitute Prince Adu, who raced forward and was seemingly caught by Ezri Konsa in the area, sparking debate online about a possible penalty.
Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz questioned whether VAR had been operational at the time of the incident. "It's another penalty they need to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England," he stated.
"Once again, VAR went for a coffee. It's natural, I would like to also take my coffees once in a while, but it was a clear penalty, red card."
Tuchel's side remain in control of Group L, but must now wait until their final game against Panama to secure qualification for the knockout phase.
Thomas Tuchel: "I saw this performance coming,"
In an interview with the BBC England boss Thomas Tuchel stated that he was "Not frustrated." with his side's 0-0 draw and that he "saw it coming as I knew this would be a difficult game."
"Ghana are physical and so committed. Full credit to them. They were difficult to break down."
Tuchel remained confident in his interviews and told England fans not to lose belief in the squad. He admitted frustration at not being able to find a goal after having almost 80% of possession but refused to panic given they have an opportunity to finish top of Group L if they defeat Panama in New Jersey on Saturday.
Injury trouble for England?
England will have to assess the fitness of Reece James and Declan Rice before their final World Cup group game.
Rice limped out of the Boston Stadium with heavy strapping on his left calf after doubts of his involvement in the game however sources have indicated that there is no major concern the injury could impact his involvement on a longer-term basis here in the United States.
James will also require assessment as England approach Saturday's match in New Jersey. The 26-year-old completed the full game against Ghana but will be checked by medics with his load needing to be monitored closely due to his history with injuries.
