England held to a goalless draw by stubborn Ghana in Boston
Thomas Tuchel’s England were frustrated to a 0-0 draw by a stubborn Ghana in Boston, with Harry Kane skying the game’s clearest chance over the bar in the closing minutes.
Jun 23, 2026
England’s World Cup rhythm hit a familiar bump on Tuesday. After a thrilling opening win over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a goalless draw by a well-organised Ghana in Boston, a result that keeps them on course for the knockout rounds but leaves the question of top spot in Group L unresolved.
It was almost a tradition by now. England have stumbled in their second group game at a fourth tournament running, and Ghana proved more stubborn than most who have tried it. They defended deep, broke when the chance came, and very nearly walked away with all three points.
Kane spurns the chance to win it
The clearest opening fell to Harry Kane, and he will not want to see it again. In the closing minutes, Nico O’Reilly rose to meet a cross and saw his header thud back off the crossbar. The rebound dropped invitingly for Kane in front of a gaping goal, but the England captain lifted his effort over the top from close range.
Ghana had their own talking point. Substitute Prince Adu was sent clear and went down under a sliding challenge from Ezri Konsa, but the penalty appeals were waved away by the on-field officials and backed up by VAR. On the balance of the night, the point Ghana carried out of Boston was a fair reward for their organisation.
What it means for both sides
The draw leaves England on four points from two matches, with Ghana level alongside them after their own opening win over Panama. Both teams are well placed to reach the last 32, and England’s progress stays in their own hands going into their final group game against Panama on June 27.
For Tuchel, the worry is sharpness rather than results. England made enough chances to win but lacked the edge that made their opener so watchable. A quiet night against a side content to sit deep will not panic anyone, yet it was a reminder that this World Cup will not simply roll over for the pre-tournament favourites.
For Indian viewers, the match finished deep into the early hours of the morning. Those who set an alarm saw a scrappier, more frustrated England than the one that lit up the opening week, and a Ghana side that will fancy its own run at the knockouts.