England were unable to repeat the flowing football that overpowered Croatia in their first World Cup game as they were held to a draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel’s side knew victory would confirm a place in the last 32 – but they were left frustrated by the stubborn resistance and organisation from Ghana.
England took 57 minutes to muster a shot on target and once again lived dangerously in defence, surviving anxious moments when Ghana hit them on the counter-attack as the contest became a disjointed affair.
Tuchel turned to Bukayo Saka, whose minutes are being managed because of a lingering Achilles problem, and replaced Jude Bellingham with Morgan Rogers in an attempt to break the stalemate.
Saka forced a fine save from Ghana keeper Benjamin Asare, while another substitute Nico O’Reilly headed against the bar, leaving Tuchel and England to settle for a point. Marc Guehi also had a header cleared off the line.
Even though England applied pressure, they appeared very fortunate not to concede a penalty late on when Ezri Konsa challenged Prince Kwabena Adu in the area, bringing him down without making any contact with the ball.
England remain top of Group L, but must now wait until their final game against Panama to ensure qualification for the World Cup knockout phase.
