Harry Kane and England endured a irritating afternoon in a goalless World Cup draw with Ghana on Tuesday. Photograph: AFP
FOXBOROUGH:
England suffered a World Cup setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s aspect have been held to a irritating 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work nonetheless do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.
Nico O’Reilly got here closest to scoring with a late header for England that hit the bar, however after the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a efficiency that may increase doubts as to their probabilities of going all the best way and profitable the event.
They dominated possession and had 19 pictures to their opponents’ two, but not often regarded like scoring previous Ghana’s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 followers on the Gillette Stadium close to Boston.
Each groups have 4 factors with one recreation nonetheless to play in Group L, with development to the following spherical all however assured however their closing positions nonetheless within the stability.
In damp, cool circumstances, England delivered a stodgy efficiency that echoed a few of their faltering shows throughout Euro 2024.
Nonetheless, there are not any dramatic penalties, as England take a step nearer to the final 32. All they want do now’s safely negotiate their closing group fixture in opposition to Panama on the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and they’ll be capable of flip their attentions to the knockout rounds.
England have nonetheless by no means misplaced to African opposition on the World Cup, and that file was not often susceptible to ending right here.
Ghana nonetheless battled brilliantly, because the nation ranked 73rd on this planet — 69 locations behind England — put up a decided defensive show.
– Partey performs, Kane quiet –
The late choice by the Black Stars to nominate Carlos Queirozas coach is trying more and more justified, with this end result following their opening 1-0 win over Panama. The 2010 quarter-finalists face Croatia subsequent in Philadelphia.
Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after lacking the Panama match in Toronto as a result of Canadian authorities denied him a visa — the ex-Arsenal midfielder is dealing with trial on rape prices within the UK.
Asare of native aspect Hearts of Oak began in aim for the Ghanaians after approaching for the injured Lawrence Ati Zigiagainst Panama.
England’s incapability to usually check him will probably be a supply of concern, as Harry Kane was saved quiet and failed so as to add to his 10 World Cup objectives — he stays stage with Gary Lineker for now as their all-time prime scorer on the event.
Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon have been unable to make the distinction on the wings and their substitutes couldn’t this time have a decisive influence.
Jude Bellingham received his fiftieth cap as Marc Guehi and DjedSpence changed John Stones and O’Reilly within the defence.
A Declan Rice free-kick that sailed simply over was about as shut as England got here within the opening half. In reality it took nearly an hour for Asare to make a notable save, however it was a cushty one to disclaim Gordon.
Ghana could really feel Jordan Pickford ought to have been punished for charging out of his field and crashing into Prince Adu with out touching the ball — however as a substitute the goalkeeper was given a free-kick.
There was additionally panic for England when substitute Adu ran by into the realm however couldn’t get a shot away.
Then the stress was turned up a notch within the closing minutes, as Asare denied Bukayo Saka with an excellent cease low to his left earlier than O’Reilly headed off the woodwork from shut vary and Kane blazed over.
