England vs Ghana Summary

  • England were held to a frustrating draw against Ghana in Group L at Gillette Stadium
  • England dominated possession but struggled to create many clear cut chances
  • Ghana posed a threat on the counter attack causing England issues
  • The result keeps England on track, but questions remain over the attacking display

England took on Ghana at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday as both nations looked to make two wins from two in Group L.

Thomas Tuchel's side entered the contest on the back of an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, with Harry Kane scoring twice before two exquisite goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford wrapped up a win for England.

Ghana also opened the World Cup campaign with three points, courtesy of the young growing talent Caleb Yirenkyi's dramatic 95th minute winner that broke Panama's heart.

Both teams entered the contest on three points, with top spot in Group L potentially at stake.

Rice Fails To Capitalise On England's First Opening

England's first half chance came in the 12 minute after Anthony Gordon was brought down around 25 to 30 yards out.

Reece James and Declan Rice stood over the free kick. Instead of striking the dead ball goal bound, James laid it off to Declan Rice, but the midfielder could not recreate his magical Champions League heroics as his effort sailed comfortably over the bar.

Hydration Break Confusion Frustrates Both Sides

After a clash of heads between Jordan Ayew and Reece James play was halted. Both sets of players took this chance to grab a drink and gather around their managers for a quick chat.

A perfect opportunity for the hydration break to take place, yet the referee called everyone back on the pitch. Only two minutes later he decided to have the official break at the 25 minute mark.

The whole sequence felt unnecessary, leaving many players and fans confused as to why the scheduled break could not have been taking the earlier stoppage. It would have made sense right?

Same Old England?

England struggled to really create anything clear cut for the remainder of the half, raising familiar questions about their ability to breakdown teams looking to sit back.

Their best opening came when Declan Rice made a clever run off the Ghana back line into a little pocket of space in between the lines and picked out Harry Kane in the box with a quick pass.

Kane shifted the ball quickly inside the box and looked set to shoot, but four Ghanaian defenders threw themselves in front of the effort to preserve the deadlock.

It summed up a frustrating first half for the Three Lions, with chances at a premium and neither side able to gain the upper hand in a tightly contested opening 45 minutes.

Tuchel's frustration was evident as England headed into the dressing room still searching for a breakthrough.

Nearly The Moment

Early in the second half Anthony Gordon was brought down by Senaya after being positive and taking him on, earning England a free kick in a dangerous area.

Rice whipped an inviting delivery towards the back post, where Elliot Anderson had drifted into space completely unmarked. He met the cross with his head but could only direct his effort right into a Ghanian player.

It was a significant opportunity for England to break the deadlock and settle any nerves among the travelling support.

England Survive Major Prince Adu Penalty Appeal

England were fortunate as Declan Rice failed to win his second ball in midfield, allowing Prince Adu to run onto a clever ball in behind from Ghana in midfield.

Pickford looked caught in two minds as he rushed off his line and into no man's land. The pair came together, it appeared Prince's path had been blocked and England looked to be in serious trouble.

They got out of jail as the referee gave a free kick in their favour. The decision sparked protests from the Ghana players, who believed they had been denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Tuchel's side had escaped, but only just.

Ghana Grow Into The Contest

Eze was muscled off the ball in midfield near the left touchline, allowing Ghana to break into space and forward once again. One pass and they were in again with Prince Adu running down on goal.

This time, England's defence came to the rescue, Ezri Konsa recovered very well to apply pressure, while Pickford was off his line and narrowed the angle.

Between them they did just enough, before the flag went up on near side.

Ghana were asking questions again.

Kane Squanders Golden Opportunity

Reece James produced a superb delivery from the right-hand side, whipping a ball to the back post. O'Reilly rose highest and sent his header crashing onto the crossbar.

The rebound fell kindly to Kane, he did not hesitate, swinging his left foot at it, but he completely miscues his effort. Instead of putting in England one up with 3 minutes to go until stoppage time, it balloons into the stands.

A glorious chance squandered

Guehi Denied As England Push Late

England came close again, inches away from breaking the deadlock from a Declan Rice corner. After it is partially cleared, the three lions work the ball back into the box.

Guehi rises and directs his header towards goal, only for it to be cleared by Peprah Oppong off the line.

Another big chance missed.

This was the final major act of the contest.

England Leave With More Questions Than Answers

At full-time, there were jubilant celebrations among the Ghana players, who felt they had earned a valuable point through their disciplined display.

Disappointment for England.

England remain well placed to qualify, but tougher tests lie ahead and improvements will be required if they are to challenge for the trophy.

England still remain on course, but this performance suggest there is still plenty of work Tuchel has to do to get things right.