England and Ghana draw 0-0 to edge closer to last 32
England dominated the ball but could not beat Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a goalless Group L draw near Boston, AFP reported.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in Group L of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, leaving both teams near qualification for the round of 32 but still fighting over their final group positions, AFP reported. The result slows England’s push to top the group after an opening 4-2 win over Croatia.
AFP reported that Nico O’Reilly had England’s best chance late in the match at Gillette Stadium near Boston, heading against the crossbar from close range. Harry Kane later sent an effort over the bar, and England left with one point from a game in which they had most of the play.
According to AFP, England finished with 19 attempts to Ghana’s two and controlled possession, but they struggled to create clear chances against Benjamin Asare. The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper started after Lawrence Ati Zigi was injured in Ghana’s opening match against Panama.
Group L remains open
AFP reported that England and Ghana both have four points with one match left. England face Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, while Ghana play Croatia in Philadelphia.
Progression is close for both sides, according to AFP, but the order in Group L has not been settled. Ghana entered the match after beating Panama 1-0, while England were trying to build on their win over Croatia.
The match was played in cool, wet conditions in front of 63,983 spectators, AFP reported. England’s display drew comparisons from AFP to some of their uneven performances at Euro 2024, with possession failing to turn into sustained pressure on goal.
Ghana hold firm
AFP reported that Ghana, ranked 73rd in the world and 69 places below England, defended with discipline under coach Carlos Queiroz. The result strengthened the case for Ghana’s late decision to appoint the former Iran, Portugal and Egypt coach, AFP reported.
Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama match in Toronto because Canadian authorities denied him a visa, AFP reported. The former Arsenal midfielder is facing trial in the United Kingdom on rape charges, according to AFP.
England made changes in defence, with Jude Bellingham winning his 50th cap and Marc Guehi and Djed Spence coming in for John Stones and O’Reilly, AFP reported. O’Reilly later re-entered the story as England’s closest player to a goal.
Declan Rice sent a free kick just over in the first half, while Anthony Gordon forced Asare into a routine save shortly before the hour mark, AFP reported. Noni Madueke and Gordon were unable to break through from wide areas, and England’s replacements did not change the match decisively.
Ghana also had moments to unsettle England, according to AFP. Prince Adu was involved in a collision with Jordan Pickford after the England goalkeeper came out of his area without making contact with the ball, but Pickford was awarded a free kick.
AFP reported that Adu later got into the England penalty area but could not take a shot. In the closing stages, Asare saved low from Bukayo Saka, O’Reilly struck the woodwork, and Kane missed over the bar as Ghana preserved the draw.
England’s unbeaten World Cup record against African opposition remained intact, AFP reported. The team now need to complete the group stage against Panama before turning fully to the knockout rounds.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.