England drew a blank in a boring 0-0 with Ghana on Tuesday, earning an underwhelming World Cup Group L point.
For much of the game, England‘s possession rarely troubled Ghana, who sat deep and were happy for Thomas Tuchel‘s side have the ball. The Black Stars also stifled England with their tough-tackling approach which continually interrupted their opponent’s flow and momentum.
At times, England took too long to create a chance, often allowing any room they had earned to be fought back. At others, the quality of the final ball wasn’t good enough. It’s hardly a threatening message to rival teams in the competition.
Tuchel said before the game that England would have the majority of the possession, but I doubt even he would have guessed just how deep Ghana would go onto sit.
The Three Lions spent the majority of that first 45 in Ghana’s half, and frustrated. They had 80 percent of possession and 347 passes to Ghana’s 98 and not a lot to show for it.
There were only a handful of times they broke Ghana’s backline. Madueke’s reverse ball to Reece James created a good opening only for his cut back to Gordon to be blocked and cleared. Later in the half, Madueke drove past his full back to stick the ball up in the air only for Rice to head over. At the end of the half, quick passing unlocked Kane but his half chance and shot was blocked.
England were also guilty of taking too long. Gordon should have shot 15 minutes into the game but passed to Anderson instead. The Nottingham Forest midfielder took a touch too many and his shot was thwarted.
England’s first shot on target didn’t come until the 57th minute.
View 5 ImagesGhana took a tough approach with England(Image: Getty Images)
On top of the low block Ghana did well to continuously interrupt the game. They were physical.
Bellingham, Rice, James, Kane, and Anderson were all put on the deck more than once. Some were fouls, some weren’t. Bellingham glared at his rival after one particular shove in the back (see more later) while Anderson outstretched his arms after being flattened by Antoine Semenyo.
Regardless of whether they were given as fouls or not, every single one killed England’s momentum. England struggled with the stop, start nature of the game as Ghana ground them down.
Anderson continued to be targeted early in the second half, taken down twice in the first 10 minutes. Kane was then sycthed down in the 63rd minute from a particularly tough Partey tackle.
View 5 ImagesJude Bellingham’s frustration got the better of him at times(Image: Getty Images)
It’s easy forget he’s only 22, which explains why he still has a little bit of maturing to do.
Wayne Rooney’s anger helped spark some of his most iconic moments. But with the stunning volley against Newcastle also came the sending off against Portugal. Bellingham needs to make sure he gets this balance right.
His frustration led to one particularly bad late challenge at the end of the first half. This then spilled over when he began arguing with Ghana’s bench.
Ghana head coach Carlos Quiroz is an experienced man and if he can get a rise out of England’s star player then he will. More than once a flash of rage seared across Bellingham’s face. The last thing he needs is a reckless yellow, or worse, that could haunt England down the line.
Perhaps sensing this, Tuchel relived Bellingham of his duties in the 73rd minute.
View 5 ImagesThomas Tuchel has more questions than answers of that(Image: Getty Images)
Tuchel will have watched his side huff and puff and not create a great deal against Ghana. Only when it seemed to dawn on England they might draw this game did they pick up a tad. Even then, there were no clear cut chances apart from O’Reilly’s header hitting the bar.
He leaves Boston with more questions than answers.
Where can England find that creative spark?
How do they beat the next team who decides to set up a low block?
Against more attacking outfits he may not worry, as England will get more time to breathe in attack. But this is a conundrum Tuchel must solve.
View 5 ImagesNoni Madueke managed to break past Ghana’s backline at times(Image: Getty Images)
There weren’t a lot, but there were a couple of notable performers.
Spence deserves a shoutout. He was brought into the team for his pace and defensive mindedness and he looked lively down the left. A great recovery run early in the second half saved Gordon after the winger missed his chance to clear the ball. O’Reilly replaced him in the 66th minute.
Madueke also provided a spark down the flanks. Plenty of switched balls went into his feet and he was capable of taking his man on. At times he got crowded out but he at least provided a flash of excitement with his dribbling.
A good cross to Saka midway through the second half should have had a better end result.
The England defence as a whole looked solid too.
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