By Dwayne Ferreira.
Ghana hold England to a disciplined 0-0 draw, surviving 78.8 per cent possession and a late Kane miss to keep both teams on four Group L points.
Ghana frustrated England with a disciplined 0-0 draw in Group L, leaving both teams on four points and well positioned to reach the World Cup round of 32 before the final set of fixtures.
England entered Boston Stadium after an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Ghana had beaten Panama 1-0 through a stoppage-time winner. Thomas Tuchel changed his defence by bringing in Djed Spence and Marc Guéhi, while Ghana restored Thomas Partey to midfield and built their approach around protecting central areas.
The pattern was established almost immediately. England controlled the ball under steady rain, but Ghana dropped into a compact shape and surrounded Harry Kane whenever the captain received possession near the penalty area. England had close to 80 per cent of the ball during the first half without creating a clear opening.
Neither side produced a shot on target before the interval, the first opening half at this tournament to pass without either goalkeeper making a save. Declan Rice attempted to drive England forward, while Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson found little space between Ghana’s midfield and defence.
Ghana’s restraint did not mean they carried no threat. Antoine Semenyo’s pace offered an outlet on the break, and Jordan Ayew worked to turn England’s defenders whenever possession changed hands. Carlos Queiroz’s side rarely committed numbers forward, however, placing greater importance on maintaining their shape.
Tuchel tried to alter the rhythm in the 65th minute by introducing Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilly. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze followed, before Marcus Rashford was also sent on as England increased the number of attacking players surrounding Kane.
The substitutions produced more urgency but not an immediate breakthrough. Ghana’s defenders continued to block crosses and crowd the penalty area, while substitute Prince Kwabena Adu troubled England with direct running on the counterattack. The Black Stars remained composed despite spending long stretches without possession.
England finally created the match’s decisive opportunity in the 86th minute. O’Reilly climbed to meet a cross and directed his header against the crossbar. The rebound dropped invitingly to Kane, but the striker lifted his effort over from close range and later admitted he would normally expect to score.
England finished with 78.8 per cent possession, the highest recorded by a team in a World Cup match without scoring since comparable statistics began in 1966. Tuchel praised Ghana’s determination and physical commitment but acknowledged that England had failed to use their numerous set pieces and territorial advantage.
Ghana’s performance was defined by concentration rather than spectacle. Their back line protected goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, the midfield closed passing lanes and the forwards accepted long periods of defensive work. The draw extended England’s sequence to four consecutive second-group-match draws at major tournaments.
Croatia’s later 1-0 victory over Panama left England and Ghana on four points, Croatia on three and Panama eliminated. England face Panama on June 27 with top spot still within reach, while Ghana meet Croatia in a direct battle that could determine the other automatic qualification place.
MATCH SUMMARY
England – 0
Ghana – 0
Result: Draw, 0-0
Player of the Match: Jerome Opoku, editorial selection
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group L
Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: June 23, 2026
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