Thomas Tuchel's England were dealt a reality check in their second group match against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, with the game ending in a frustrating goalless draw. After the buzz of Wednesday's opener against Croatia, there was a sense of England coming back down to earth during the first half against Ghana. The African side set up with a deep block and frustrated the 1966 champions during a first 45 minutes where England failed to register a shot on target.
Ghana didn't offer much at the opposite end of the pitch, but they broke quickly and made it difficult for Tuchel's men to build any form of rhythm. It was in the second half of the Croatia match when things sparked into life, but that wasn't the case in Boston. A sluggish start to proceedings forced Tuchel into a string of changes in search of a winner, and it did improve England's chances with Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford both seeing chances come and go. Harry Kane missed a sitter late on, blazing over the bar from close range.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Jordan Pickford - 4: Didn't have much to do from a defensive point of view, but a moment of madness probably should've seen the England shot-stopper sent off. He came charging out for a ball, completely missed it and clattered the Ghana player in the process. Easily could've seen red.
Reece James - 6: A solid if unspectacular performance from the right-back. He provided width going forward but was unable to break down Ghana's disciplined defence.
Marc Guehi - 6: Brought into the team to replace former Manchester City team-mate John Stones, and had a couple of high balls to deal with. He coped adequately but was not tested heavily.
Ezri Konsa - 4: Had enjoyed a relatively solid evening's work, but was lucky not to have given a penalty away in the final 10 minutes of the game. He was flying into a tackle, yet got nowhere near the ball. Two fortunate reprieves for the Three Lions.
Djed Spence - 6: Was the eyebrow-raising change ahead of kick-off, with the Spurs ace replacing Nico O'Reilly in the starting XI. Took some time to get into the game, but did liven up in the second half.
Midfield
Elliot Anderson - 7: Once again the beating heart of England's midfield. Was the one cleaning up whenever Ghana broke forward and had been playing forward passes at every opportunity. Strange to have seen him subbed off with 20 minutes to play.
Declan Rice - 7: Had been an injury doubt heading into the game, but gave as good as he got. Grew into the match and threatened with his set piece deliveries.
Jude Bellingham - 5: From one of his best performances in an England shirt against Croatia to one of his quietest. In fairness, he isn't the type of player who thrives against a deep block and the changes made plenty of sense.
Attack
Anthony Gordon - 5: Had come under some criticism for his performance against Croatia, but retained his spot for this one. Always a willing runner, but didn't exactly dazzle on the left-hand side. Might struggle to keep his place in the line-up for the final group match.
Harry Kane - 5: So he is human after all? It was a quiet game for the Bayern Munich ace, but there was always a feeling one chance would fall his way. It did, and he blazed it over the bar. No excuses and he'll be the first one to say that.
Noni Madueke - 6: For all his critics, he was probably England's most industrious attacker from the players who started.
Substitutes
Nico O'Reilly - 6: Having come close twice against Croatia, the City youngster was once again left with head in hands after clattering the crossbar from close range. He did everything right with the header.
Bukayo Saka - 7: Had a golden chance with a header just after coming off the bench, but couldn't steer it goalwards.
Morgan Rogers - 6: Added energy but could not find the breakthrough.
Eberechi Eze - 6: Showed flashes of skill but was unable to unlock the Ghana defence.
Marcus Rashford - 6: Came on late and had one sight of goal, but his shot was saved.
