England were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Ghana in their second Group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, with Harry Kane missing a golden late opportunity to seal victory.
Thomas Tuchel’s side entered the match on the back of an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening game and would have secured qualification for the knockout stage with a win.
However, they were unable to break down a disciplined Ghanaian side that defended resolutely throughout the encounter.
England came closest to scoring in the 86th minute when Nico O’Reilly’s header struck the crossbar and the rebound fell kindly to Kane. The England captain, who scored twice against Croatia, blasted the ball over the bar from close range before reacting in frustration.
“They defended with a lot of determination. A lot of discipline,” Tuchel said, adding that Kane “was not involved as much as we would like to, but it was so narrow.
“It was difficult to find space. The little moments that he had were just so unlucky.”
Despite dominating possession and creating the majority of the chances, England could not find a breakthrough. The Three Lions registered 19 shots to Ghana’s one and enjoyed 79 percent possession, the highest recorded by any team that failed to score in a World Cup match over the past 60 years.
“You go through games like that,” Kane said. “I was waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way and it was a game as a striker where you are just waiting for the ball to bounce. It did and I just couldn’t quite get over the ball.
“Yeah, I’d back myself to score that more often than not, but it is what it is, and I’ve been a striker long enough to know they don’t always go in, so I have to accept it.”
The result leaves England well placed to progress to the round of 32, while Ghana moved to four points from two matches, strengthening their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since advancing to the quarter-finals in 2010.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz praised his players for carrying out the tactical plan successfully.
“Our plan was to block and frustrate them from the first minute,” Queiroz said. “We did it.”
Ghana’s best opportunity came in the 78th minute when Abdul Fatawu won possession from England midfielder Eberechi Eze and surged down the flank before setting up Prince Adu. However, Ezri Konsa recovered to challenge Adu before he could get a shot away. Adu appealed for a foul but play continued.
England controlled much of the first half with 60 percent possession but managed only five attempts on goal, with Kane missing a chance inside the penalty area shortly before halftime.
“Frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up,” England midfielder Jude Bellingham said. “They got exactly out of the game what they played for. Couldn’t quite break them down, even with all corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance.”
Ghana showed greater attacking intent after the break and threatened in the 50th minute when Marvin Senaya connected with a header inside the box, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably dealt with by the England defence.
“Look, we wanted the win, but we take the point and we’re still in a great position in the group,” Kane said.
England will conclude their group-stage campaign against Panama on Saturday, while Ghana face Croatia in a decisive encounter as both teams bid to secure places in the knockout rounds.
(The Whistler)
