England were left frustrated by a stubborn Ghana to a draw their second match in the fourth major tournament in a row to prolong their wait to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds.
A flurry of late chances almost breached a resilient Black Stars, with Bukayo Saka’s shot well saved, before Nico O’Reilly struck the bar.
Harry Kane’s follow-up was inexplicably ballooned over the bar, but the 0-0 draw means Thomas Tuchel will now have to complete their progress to the last 32 against Panama in New York on Saturday.
Thomas Partey was booed by the Three Lions fans in the first half, with the Ghana midfielder back after missing the Panama match, having been denied entry to Canada while facing a rape charge. While the former Arsenal star was also seemingly snubbed by Djed Spence in the pre-match handshakes between the sides.
Follow all of the latest reaction and analysis from this Group L stalemate below:
Kane’s snap reaction
“It was one of those games. A difficult team to break down. We had some chances, I had a chance we hit the bar with Nico. We didn’t concede too many chances, a couple of counterattacks, and overall we contained them pretty well. We wanted to win but we’ll take the point. I was just waiting for an opportunity to fall my way; it did but I just couldn’t get over the ball. It is what it is. I’ve been a striker long enough to know they don’t always go in. I was man-marked there and they defended the box well. We couldn’t find the first contact and it was so compact in there. You go through games like that. We’re in a great position, play Panama next. We make sure we get through and hopefully finish with a win and finish top. We look forward to getting back out there in a few days.”
Ghana should have had penalty – referee expert
BBC’s refereeing expect Darren Cann on whether Konsa was fortunate not to give away a penalty: “We had our hearts in our mouths when Konsa made that challenge … I’m delighted it wasn’t given but it should have been referred to the referee. Konsa made no contact with the ball, makes contact with his opponent. This is a penalty. I’m glad this wasn’t an eighth penalty. In this tournament most of the time they’ve gone with the on-field decision unless it’s clearly, clearly wrong.
Rice: We stay positive
Declan Rice’s snap reaction to the BBC: “We stay positive, we keep going and we still have a great chance to top the group against Panama. You have to give credit to Ghana sometimes – 5-4-1, very compact, tight spaces. It was never going to be an easy game. Loads of top nations drew their first game. No need to be negative or downbeat.”
Player ratings: who failed to perform in drab draw?
It was a difficult evening for Thomas Tuchel’s team in Boston.
England’s players are applauding their travelling fans. It was a tough watch for all and the squad will be frustrated, several knowing their places in the XI for Saturday’s meeting against Panama are at risk, but they should not lose sight of what is still to come too. This was not a disaster, merely a reminder that they cannot coast to victories on this stage.
FULL-TIME! England 0-0 Ghana
That’s it. Ghana are celebrating wildly after an impressive rearguard action. England were flat and lacked imagination against opponents who know how to frustrate.
England 0-0 Ghana
95’ – Ghana will make a change first. Adu is off for an extra defender, Rahman, to defend the final minute. From the corner there is pulling in the box leading to goal kick. That could be our lot.
England 0-0 Ghana
95’ – And another corner. Eze tries to find Saka but it is deflected.
England 0-0 Ghana
93’ – Rashford wins another corner. This one is hooked back in from the rear stick by Eze. Guehi almost guides it in but it is a third corner in succession. And this one is punched away by Asare.
