If England are going to win this World Cup then they’ll need to be a damn sight better than this.
After a thrilling attacking display saw them put Croatia to the sword in Dallas, Boston was forced to endure a frustrating showing and a reality check for Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions.
Too slow in possession and lacking in urgency, it was a reality check for England as they struggled to create champions and were on occasion opened up a little too easily.
Harry Kane blazed over the best chance late on, smashing high over the crossbar from eight yards after Nico O’Reilly’s header had hit the bar and bounced out. On the touchline throughout, Tuchel cut a frustrated figure, Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence on the receiving end of second half verbals.
On a night that will be best remembered for Djed Spence not shaking hands with Thomas Partey, Tuchel’s side did not muster a shot on target until the 57th minute and must now beat Panama in New Jersey to win the group and ensure a favourable draw in the round of 32.
Here are our player ratings from Boston…
Jordan Pickford 6
Largely a spectator because Ghana offered little going forward. Lucky when Adu messed up a break.
Reece James 6
Did a decent enough job to restrict Antoine Semenyo and limit his openings.
Ezri Konsa 7
He kept things tight at the back and is now clearly Tuchel’s No.1 centre half.
Marc Guehi 7
Came in for John Stones and was solid enough but they probably missed more build-up play.
View 3 ImagesMarc Guehi was back in the England starting XI(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.)
Djed Spence 7
Made a terrific covering block to deny Senaya and did well overall. Lightning pace.
Elliot Anderson 7
One of England’s better players because he used and kept the ball better than most.
Declan Rice 6
Booked. Looked bright early on but ran out of space. Subdued by his standards.
Noni Madueke 6
Got into good crossing positions – but wasted them with poor deliveries. Frustrating.
Jude Bellingham 7
Gave every ounce of energy, tracking back and almost trying to do too much.
View 3 ImagesAnthony Gordon had a tough night(Image: AFP or licensors)
Anthony Gordon 5
So poor. Offered very little going forward, slack defensively and will do well to keep his place.
Harry Kane 5
Just could not get into the game and dropped way too deep. Was very disappointing.
Substitutes: O’Reilly (Spence, 66 mins), Saka (Gordon, 66 mins), Eze (Anderson, 72 mins), Rogers (Bellingham, 72 mins)
Substitutes not used: Burn, Chalobah, J Henderson, D Henderson, Mainoo, Quansah, Rashford, Stones, Toney, Trafford, Watkins
Ghana (4-3-3): Asare 7; Senaya 7, Adjetey 6, Opoku 7, Mensah 6; Yirenkyi 7, Partey 6, Sibo 6; Williams 6 (Fatawu, 67, 6), Ayew 6 (Adu, 67, 6), Semenyo 6.
Substitutes not used: Adu, Anang, Baba, Boakye, Bonsu Baah, Luckassen, Mumin, Nuamah, Owusu, Peprah Oppong
Referee: Said Martinez
Man of the match: Marc Guehi – Did not put a foot wrong.
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