England’s momentum from its 2-4 opening win over Croatia stalled with a 0-0 draw against defensive Ghana in the World Cup. The result left Ghana as one of only four teams in the tournament yet to concede, alongside Spain, Argentina and Mexico, while England was left facing heavy criticism at home for an attack that failed to score despite recording a World Cup record 78.8% possession for a team that did not win.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford told the BBC that the match was always going to be difficult because Ghana were set up for counterattacks. “It was really hard to break them down,” he said, adding that England had chances but needed to take the first goal. Pickford said England were still top of the group and looking ahead to Panama, stressing that the team still controlled its own fate and that he felt prepared for Ghana danger man Antoine Semenyo.
Declan Rice, who missed chances himself, said Ghana had put “11 players behind the ball” and defended deep in a 5-4-1 shape. “We can do more with the ball,” he said, though he insisted England should stay positive because they still had a strong chance to finish first in the group against Panama. Rice also said many big teams draw their second match in tournaments and that there was no reason to become negative.
Rice was later seen limping at the end of the post-match interview, with a large bandage on his left shin, raising concern that he may miss the Panama game. England coach Thomas Tuchel said Harry Kane’s missed chance was usually “a guaranteed goal” and said Ghana had defended even more deeply than in their first match, while also praising his team’s defensive work against the breakaways and the impact of the substitutes. He added that any planning for Panama was still uncertain and said, “Panama are in four days.”
