England held to frustrating draw by Ghana

KATHMANDU: England were forced to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw against Ghana at the FIFA World Cup, leaving their hopes of securing top spot in Group L to be decided in the final round of matches.

Playing in front of 63,983 spectators at Gillette Stadium, England dominated possession and created numerous chances but failed to find a breakthrough.

Thomas Tuchel’s side registered 19 attempts on goal, while Ghana managed just two, yet neither team was able to score.

England came closest to breaking the deadlock late in the match when Nico O’Reilly’s header struck the crossbar and bounced away.

After opening their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, the Three Lions were unable to replicate that attacking display.

The result leaves England and Ghana level on four points at the top of Group L. While both teams are now in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage, the battle for first place remains unresolved.

Played in cold and wet conditions, England’s performance resembled some of their less convincing displays at Euro 2024.

Nevertheless, the draw does not significantly damage their qualification prospects.

England can still secure first place in the group with a positive result against Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

The draw also preserved England’s unbeaten record against African nations in World Cup history.

Ghana, ranked 73rd in the world, produced a disciplined defensive performance under coach Carlos Queiroz.

The Black Stars, who are 69 places below England in the FIFA rankings, followed up their 1-0 win over Panama with another valuable result and will face Croatia in Philadelphia in their final group match.

Midfielder Thomas Partey returned to Ghana’s lineup after missing the Panama match due to visa issues, while Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare delivered an outstanding performance to keep England scoreless.

England captain Harry Kane missed the opportunity to move ahead in his country’s World Cup scoring charts. He remains level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, the joint-highest tally for an England player.

Wingers Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon struggled to make a significant impact, and England’s substitutes were unable to change the course of the match.

Jude Bellingham marked his 50th international appearance for England, while Declan Rice came close to scoring in the first half when his free-kick narrowly cleared the crossbar.

After the break, Asare comfortably saved Gordon’s effort and later denied Bukayo Saka with an excellent stop.

Ghana also threatened on occasion, with their players appealing for a penalty after a challenge by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on Prince Adu, though the referee instead awarded a free-kick to England.

In the closing stages, O’Reilly’s header rattled the woodwork and Kane fired over the bar, as both sides were ultimately forced to accept a goalless draw.