England toiled against Ghana in their second World Cup group match as Thomas Tuchel’s side were given a slight reality check in Boston.
After a thrilling outing against Croatia, Thomas Tuchel’s side were frustrated over and over again against the Black Stars, struggling to craft any real openings against a well-drilled and resilient defence.
Tuchel’s changes worked a treat against Croatia and while his side did improve when he switched things up in the second period, it wasn’t enough to spark a winner.
Victory for England would have confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the competition. While four points will almost certainly be enough, they will have to wait until they face Panama on Saturday before it is official.
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ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS OUT OF 10
Jordan Pickford – 5
Not too much to do on the night – caught in no-mans land midway through the second-half in a moment of brief panic. The decision went England’s way but could have easily gone the other with Carlos Queiroz and the Ghana bench furious.
Reece James – 5
A relatively poor outing from the Chelsea skipper, not offering enough offensively and caught up field when Ghana did pounce.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Defended well when faced with Antoine Semenyo cutting inside on more than one occasion. Played a decisive role in denying Ghana a late winner, getting back to put Prince Adu under pressure when he had the goal gaping.
Marc Guehi – 5
Recalled to the side ahead of John Stones having started on the bench against Croatia last week.
Djed Spence – 6
Given the nod ahead of Nico O’Reilly – offered a real presence down the left going forward and kept to his defensive duties.
Declan Rice – 5
Failed to produce the telling pass when required. Much of the talk ahead of the game was about the enormous workload he got through for Arsenal last season. All things considered, it did look a slightly jaded performance.
Elliot Anderson – 6
The more inventive of the midfield pairing tonight. The Nottingham Forest star played 20 passes into the final third and had four shots on goal before being replaced.
Noni Madueke – 4
Another one of those nights for the Arsenal winger. Found himself in good positions but all too often was unable to get his head up and pick out a teammate. Ghana doubling up on the former Chelsea man won’t have helped but did little to justify another start once Bukayo Saka is deemed fit enough to do so.
Jude Bellingham – 7
Drove his team forward – getting back to help out when Reece James and Djed Spence found himself up field. Looked the most likely to make something happen before being replaced by Morgan Rodgers.
Anthony Gordon – 5
Quiet game having been given the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford. To reluctant to come inside on his right to shoot and left Spence on his own when Ghana did mount forward.
Harry Kane – 5
Largely suffocated by Ghana in the first period, getting just nine touches in the first half – two of which were in the penalty area. Had the goal gaping in the final five minutes when he hammered it over the bar. Just not in the game.
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