England laboured to a stalemate in Boston against a dogged Ghana side as their World Cup campaign hit its first roadblock.
Thomas Tuchel made two changes to the side that swept past Croatia 4-2 in the opening game last week, bringing in Djed Spence and Marc Guehi for Nico O’Reilly and John Stones on the left side of England’s defence.
England dominated possession throughout but could not create a clear-cut chance until Harry Kane blazed over when eight yards out late on, and were lucky that Ezri Konsa’s lunge was not punished with a penalty for Ghana.
The goalless draw still leaves England in a strong position to qualify as Group L winners, with their final match against Panama on Saturday.
Daily Mail Sport‘s Chief Football Reporter CRAIG HOPE was at the Boston Stadium to give his verdict.
England fans can barely believe their eyes after Harry Kane (centre, on his knees) blazed over late on from eight yards out
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 5/10
A first-half spectator as Ghana did not have a shot on goal, but got lucky when rushing from area midway through the second half and colliding with Prince Adu. He was awarded a free-kick, but it could easily have gone the other way.
Reece James – 6
Took a nasty whack to the head that needed lengthy treatment but recovered and was strong in defence when needed. Did nothing wrong and seems to be growing in fitness and confidence.
Ezri Konsa – 5
An easier first half than last time. Completed more than 100 passes but most of them were short balls into midfield or out to a full back and of little consequence. Very lucky not to concede a late penalty for a wild tackle.
Marc Guehi – 5
Strolled through the first hour and, as expected, was neat and tidy on the ball. But when tested with a ball in behind he was caught on his heels and England got lucky. Also needs to be more aggressive at times.
Djed Spence – 6
Smart recovery after Marvin Senaya stole in on the shoulder of Anthony Gordon just after half-time and denied Ghana a goal. That is why Tuchel picked him and defensively it was justified. But he could offer more in attack.
Djed Spence justified his inclusion for his defensive stability, but he needed to offer more in attack
Elliot Anderson – 6
A strange game, because he had plenty of the ball and tried to get things started, but he did not have his usual penetration. There were even a couple of sloppy balls as frustration grew. Took a blow to his back and lost rhythm.
Declan Rice – 7
Much better and more involved than in the opener. Played higher up the pitch, went close with a free-kick and created chances for others. One lovely touch to tee up Kane. Set-pieces not as good, though, and faded late on. Booked for mistiming a tackle in the first half.
Noni Madueke – 5
Gets credit because he’s always open to receiving the ball, criticism because not enough comes from him. Did beat his man a couple of times, yet that final execution is missing. A couple of errant balls seemed to irritate his team-mates.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Way below his best. A long chat with an animated Tuchel during the first half spoke to how he was struggling to impact. Just one blocked shot come half-time and needlessly left a Ghana player on their backside with challenge of frustration. Did not fare better after break.
Anthony Gordon – 4
Saw much more of the ball – 25 first-half touches compared to nine versus Croatia – but did not do enough with it. Needs to back himself to attack his full back more often – it was all too safe and slow. His place is under threat now.
Anthony Gordon’s place is under threat after another safe and slow display
Harry Kane (captain) – 5
Eight touches by half-time and only one of them in the box. Not all his fault, because invention was poor in behind. But the captain was not his usual self, evidenced by his wild blast over at the death from right in front of the goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Bukayo Saka (on for Anthony Gordon, 65min) – 6
England needed a spark and he nearly provided it with a run and low shot that was saved.
Nico O’Reilly (on for Djed Spence, 66) – 5
Hit the bar late on when making one of his trademark penalty box-crashing runs, before Kane thrashed over.
Morgan Rogers (on for Jude Bellingham, 73) – 5
Put himself about but could not inject that little bit of magic that was so badly lacking.
Eberechi Eze (on for Elliot Anderson, 74) – 4
Lost the ball leading to a big Ghana chance and did not threaten at the other end.
Marcus Rashford (on for Noni Madueke, 83) – 5
Not as bright a cameo as last time and the couple of openings he got came to nothing.
Bukayo Saka nodded over from Noni Madueke’s cross immediately after coming off the bench
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 5
No inspirational half-time intervention here and his changes did not make an impact, either – they came too late in the case of Rashford. A reality check for the head coach. His team were poor.
GHANA (4-1-4-1)
Asare 6; Senaya 7 (Peprah Oppong 87min), Adjetey 7, Opoku 8, Mensah 7; Partey 7; Williams 5 (Fatawu 66, 5), Yirenkyi 7, Sibo 6, Semenyo 5; Ayew 4 (Adu 67, 5; Baba 90+5). Booked: Williams.
Manager: Carlos Queiroz – 7
REFEREE
Said Martinez (Honduras) – 5
Made the right call with Rice booking after a late tackle and managed one or two flash points well, but missed a clumsy Konsa challenge for a probable Ghana penalty.
