England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match, leaving both teams on four points after two games. Declan Rice lamented the challenge of breaking down a deeply defensive Ghana side, who deployed a compact 5-4-1 shape and kept all eleven players behind the ball for much of the game. England dominated possession but failed to convert their control into goals, struggling to find space against a disciplined back line. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, playing in the Ghana Premier League, made crucial saves in the second half, while Ghana's defenders repeatedly blocked and cleared attacks.
Carlos Queiroz's side remained organised and resolute throughout, frustrating Thomas Tuchel's England despite sustained pressure. Rice acknowledged the difficulty of the task, saying it was tough to score against a team so deep and compact. England had chances in the final 10 minutes but could not find a breakthrough. The draw keeps both teams in strong contention for the round of 32, with Ghana needing only a draw against Croatia on 27 June to advance.
Rice insisted there was no cause for negativity, pointing out that many top nations have drawn their opening games. He emphasized the need to find solutions against defensive setups and maintained confidence ahead of the final group match against Panama. England remain in a strong position to top the group, with four points from two matches.
England created little despite dominating possession, failing to score against a Ghana side that sat deep with all eleven players behind the ball. The 0-0 draw means both teams have four points, leaving the group still wide open despite England's pre-match favoritism. Ghana's Benjamin Asare, playing in the Ghana Premier League, made key saves and proved decisive in keeping England at bay. A draw with Croatia on 27 June will send the Black Stars through, a target now firmly within reach.
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