England held by Ghana as Group L race remains open

LONDON: England were frustrated by Ghana in a 0-0 draw on Tuesday, a result that left Thomas Tuchel’s side still needing to finish the job in their final Group L match if they are to advance as section winners at the World Cup.

After opening their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, England controlled the ball for long spells and finished with 19 shots compared to Ghana’s two at Gillette Stadium near Boston. But they struggled to trouble stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare often enough in front of a crowd of 63,983, with Nico O’Reilly going closest when his late header struck the bar.

The draw leaves both teams on four points with one group game remaining. Progress to the next round appears close for both sides, but the final order in the group has yet to be decided. England next face Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, while Ghana will take on Croatia in Philadelphia.

England dominate but fail to convert

In damp and cool conditions, England produced a display that lacked fluency despite their territorial control. Harry Kane was unable to add to his tally of 10 World Cup goals and remains level with Gary Lineker as England’s joint top scorer in the tournament’s history. Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon were unable to provide the breakthrough out wide, and the substitutes were also unable to change the outcome.

Jude Bellingham made his 50th appearance for England, while Marc Guehi and Djed Spence came into the defence in place of John Stones and O’Reilly. Declan Rice came closest for England in the first half with a free-kick that drifted just over the crossbar.

It was nearly an hour before Asare had to make a notable save, comfortably keeping out a Gordon effort. England increased the pressure late on, with Asare then producing a low stop to deny Bukayo Saka before O’Reilly hit the woodwork from close range and Kane fired over.

Ghana defend resolutely

Ghana, ranked 73rd in the world and 69 places below England, put in a disciplined defensive performance and extended the positive start made under recently appointed coach Carlos Queiroz. The result followed their opening 1-0 win over Panama.

Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama game in Toronto because Canadian authorities denied him a visa. The former Arsenal midfielder is facing trial on rape charges in the UK. Asare, who plays for Hearts of Oak, started in goal after replacing the injured Lawrence Ati Zigi in the previous match.

Ghana also had moments that caused concern for England. Jordan Pickford escaped punishment after racing from his area and colliding with Prince Adu without touching the ball, with the goalkeeper instead awarded a free-kick. Later, substitute Adu got through into the box but was unable to get a shot away.

England have still not lost to African opposition at the World Cup, and that record remained intact here, but the stalemate means Tuchel’s team still have work to do before they can fully turn their attention to the knockout rounds.