England were given a reality check by a stubborn Ghana side, playing out a 0-0 draw in World Cup 2026 Group L qualifying. The result leaves the group finely balanced, with England failing to break down a resolute Ghanaian defence marshalled by Jerome Opoku and Jonas Adjetey.
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford: A spectator for the first half but was very lucky to escape further punishment after bringing down Prince Adu. Rating: 5
Reece James: A bright start before needing lengthy treatment after being clattered by Jordan Ayew. Faded badly. Rating: 6
Djed Spence: Surprise choice to replace Nico O’Reilly at left-back, the Spurs man didn’t do anything to justify his selection. Rating: 5
Marc Guéhi: Slotted back into England’s back four in place of John Stones, his range of passing adds so much. Rating: 6
Ezri Konsa: Superb tackle to deny Antoine Semenyo in a dangerous position, although could easily have conceded a penalty. Rating: 5
Declan Rice: Back to his marauding best during the first 20 minutes but it was noticeable how England dropped off after that. Rating: 7
Elliot Anderson: Far too slow in possession. Has to be much more proactive with his forward passing. Rating: 5
Noni Madueke: Caused Ghana problems with his directness but lacks quality with the final pass. Rating: 6
Jude Bellingham: Effort can’t be faulted on his 50th cap but couldn’t summon the cutting edge he showed against Croatia. Rating: 6
Anthony Gordon: Clever dummy early on to start a move but little else of substance. Place must be seriously under pressure. Rating: 4
Harry Kane: Only managed eight touches in an uncharacteristically quiet first half. Should have buried late rebound. Rating: 6
England Substitutes
Bukayo Saka (for Gordon, 66): Finally injected some urgency after coming on for Gordon. Rating: 7
Nico O’Reilly (for Spence, 66): Will be disappointed not to have started. So unlucky not to score with header. Rating: 6
Morgan Rogers (for Bellingham, 74): Some driving runs as England chased winner. Rating: 6
Eberechi Eze (for Anderson, 74): Almost punished for losing ball in midfield. Looks far more comfortable further forward. Rating: 5
Marcus Rashford (for Madueke, 83): Looked frustrated after coming off bench. Rating: 6
Ghana Player Ratings
Benjamin Asare: First keeper from Ghana’s league to start a game for them at a World Cup didn’t have much to do. Rating: 6
Marvin Senaya: Caught out by Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon in early stages but settled down and spurned good chance. Rating: 6
Gideon Mensah: Struggled to cope with twin threat of Reece James and Noni Madueke to start with, grew in confidence as game went on. Rating: 7
Jerome Opoku: A giant of a man who proved he is no mug with the ball at his feet either. England couldn’t find a way through him. Rating: 8
Jonas Adjetey: Organiser in chief of the defence. Plays club football for Wolfsburg but looked a world beater. Rating: 8
Caleb Yirenkyi: After his late winner against Panama, another impressive from the emerging star of Ghana’s midfield. Rating: 7
Thomas Partey: Marshalled Ghana’s midfield superbly and made sure that Kane’s influence was kept to a minimum. Rating: 7
Kwasi Sibo: Ran his socks off for the cause and produced a crucial block to stop Elliot Anderson scoring from a corner. Rating: 7
Antoine Semenyo: Clear that England were wary of the threat he posed. But will be frustrated not to have had a clear sight of goal. Rating: 7
Jordan Ayew: Put himself about as per usual. The Leicester man loves a bit of rough and tumble. Rating: 7
Iñaki Williams: The Athletic Bilbao forward fulfilled his defensive duties but didn’t get much chance to show his attacking skills. Rating: 6
Ghana Substitutes
Abdul Fatawu (for Williams, 67): Always a danger on the break. Rating: 6
Prince Adu (for Ayew, 67): Felt hard done by twice after coming on and caused England’s defence some real issues. Rating: 7
Samuel Oppong (for Senaya, 88): Too little time to make an impression. Rating: 6
The result leaves England needing to improve in their remaining Group L fixtures to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
