England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in their second group game in Foxborough, where Thomas Tuchel’s side were prevented from reproducing anything close to the attacking fluency they showed in their opening victory over Croatia.
Having scored four times in their Group L opener, England dominated possession throughout but rarely threatened a disciplined Ghana side organised by veteran coach Carlos Queiroz. The Black Stars defended deep and in numbers, forcing England into a slow, predictable rhythm that produced little reward despite long spells on the ball.
Very early in the game Ghana retreated into a compact defensive shape, inviting England to probe for openings and offering little ambition in possession themselves. England controlled territory but the speed and movement necessary to stretch their opponents was lacking.
Harry Kane was largely isolated. Reece James and Djed Spence were unable to provide adequate width from full-back. Noni Madueke struggled to find space down the right. Clear chances were scarce and England barely troubled goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was mostly comfortable. Tuchel’s team went into the break without a shot on target.
Thank you for your support in Boston. We’ll be back on Saturday looking to finish the group strong 👊 pic.twitter.com/12LWH55kNX
— England (@England) June 23, 2026
Shortly after the restart, Jude Bellingham produced an important challenge to deny Antoine Semenyo as Ghana proved they could break beyond England’s defensive line. Spence was also forced into a timely intervention to prevent Marvin Senaya from testing Jordan Pickford.
Tuchel was frustrated and turned to his bench in search of inspiration. Bukayo Saka, Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze were all brought on to provide greater urgency to England’s attacking play. But Ghana remained resolute and almost earned a decisive moment of their own when substitute Prince Adu raced through on goal. He collided with the onrushing Pickford but England were controversially awarded a freekick instead of Pickford being awarded a red card.
The game opened up more in the closing stages. Saka forced Asare into one of the goalkeeper’s few meaningful saves with a low strike, before O’Reilly came within inches of a dramatic winner. The young midfielder rose to meet a cross and sent a header against the crossbar, but Kane blazed the rebound high over the goal from close range.
There was still time for Marc Guehi to see a stoppage-time header cleared from in front of the line, but Ghana survived the late pressure to claim a valuable point.
