England have stumbled to a 0-0 draw with a well-drilled Ghana side, edging closer to the World Cup knockout phase in forgettable fashion. Six days after their thrilling 4-2 victory against Croatia in Texas, things fell flat in Foxborough on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) as the back-to-back European Championship runners-up failed to break down the Black Stars.
England Struggle to Find Rhythm
England were a far cry from the swashbuckling side that thrilled in their Group L opener, with manager Thomas Tuchel's team unable to find a way through Carlos Queiroz's organised outfit. Harry Kane missed their best chance late on, uncharacteristically skying the rebound after substitute Nico O'Reilly saw a header rattle the crossbar.
Neither side mustered a shot on target in a first half that began with widespread boos for Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is scheduled to stand trial next year on seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault that he denies. Partey, previously based in England with Arsenal, also appeared to be snubbed by England's Tottenham star Djed Spence in the pre-match handshakes.
Partey Controversy and First Half Stalemate
The Ghana midfielder was forced to miss his country's World Cup opener last week after being denied entry into Canada as a result of his charges. Declan Rice collected England's first booking of the World Cup as halftime approached for a challenge on Jerome Opoku.
The 57th minute brought the game's first shot on target, with Noni Madueke's blocked strike followed by an Anthony Gordon effort, but England continued to struggle. Tuchel replaced Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson with Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze in a bid to change the course of the game.
Late Drama and Missed Chances
Ghana hoped the match would swing their way in the 79th minute when a quick counter ended with Ezri Konsa clumsily denying Prince Kwabena Adu, who was unlucky not to receive a penalty in the collision. Not even England's set-piece prowess could swing a late goal, although O'Reilly's header and Kane's miss summed up a frustrating night.
Both sides look all but assured of a place in the Round of 32 after this stalemate, as Tuchel's men turn their attention to Saturday's group finale against Panama in New Jersey.
