The Mt Kenya Times 
Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated possession and fired 19 shots but could not break down a resolute Black Stars defence in a tense night at Foxborough.
By Norman Mwale
England were left to rue a night of wasted chances as Ghana’s disciplined Black Stars held the Three Lions to a tense 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L clash at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, leaving both nations level on four points after two matches and edging towards the last 32.
“The goal was exactly to finish the first half with the England team frustrated, with no solutions.” — Carlos Queiroz
Played under a constant drizzle on Tuesday evening, the contest became a tactical battle from the first whistle. England controlled possession for long periods but struggled to penetrate Ghana’s compact 5-4-1 shape. Declan Rice tested Benjamin Asare with a free kick in the 13th minute, but the Ghana goalkeeper stood firm. The first half ended without a single shot on target from either side — the first time that had happened at this World Cup.
England increased the pressure after the break. Anthony Gordon forced Asare into a smart save with a dipping strike just before the hour mark, registering England’s first effort on target. Bukayo Saka’s introduction added urgency and he saw a curling shot brilliantly tipped away by Asare in the 87th minute. Seconds later, Nico O’Reilly looked certain to break the deadlock, his header from Reece James’ cross crashing against the crossbar. Harry Kane gathered the rebound and somehow blazed over from six yards with the goal at his mercy — a moment that will haunt him long after the final whistle.
Ghana were not without threat. Prince Adu broke clear in the second half and looked set to shoot before Ezri Konsa’s last-ditch challenge denied him. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Kojo Peprah Oppong — on the pitch for barely three minutes — produced a stunning goal-line clearance to deny Marc Guéhi’s header at 90+3′, preserving the point Ghana so clearly came to take.
The result leaves England top of Group L on goal difference, ahead of Ghana. Both sides now need only avoid defeat in their final group games to reach the knockout phase. England face Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, while Ghana take on Croatia in Philadelphia.
Tuchel urged patience afterwards. “I know it’s a very different game. It can be difficult to watch. We always try to entertain our fans. It was difficult today. I hope they don’t lose belief. It is a long way to go,” he said. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz was unapologetically proud. “I am so proud of the way our players fought. When you have to defend, you defend,” he said.
For England, the performance raised questions. For Ghana, it raised something more valuable — hope.
Scoreline: England 0–0 Ghana Key moments: Rice free kick 13′, Gordon save 59′, O’Reilly hits crossbar 87′, Kane misses rebound 87′, Oppong goal-line clearance 90+3′ Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | Attendance: 63,983
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