England held to goalless draw by resilient Ghana at World Cup

The result earned Ghana a valuable point that could prove crucial in its bid to reach the round of 32.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz, whose Iran team suffered a 6-2 defeat to England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was pleased with his side's disciplined performance.

"Our plan was to block and frustrate them from the first minute," Queiroz said. "We did it."

England, which remains unbeaten against African opponents in nine World Cup meetings, outshot Ghana 19-1 but failed to convert several late opportunities.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham admitted his side struggled to break down Ghana's defensive setup.

"Frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up," Bellingham said. "They got exactly out of the game what they played for. Couldn't quite break them down, even with all corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance."

Both teams entered the match after winning their opening fixtures. Ghana defeated Panama 1-0, while England beat Croatia 4-2.

The draw leaves both sides still needing results in their final group-stage matches to secure qualification for the knockout rounds at the first 48-team World Cup.

England reached the quarterfinals in 2022 before losing to France, while Ghana has not advanced beyond the group stage since reaching the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

With the expanded tournament format allowing the eight best third-placed teams to progress, both nations remain in a strong position heading into their final group matches.

England will face Panama on Saturday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while Ghana will meet Croatia at the same time in Philadelphia.

England came closest to scoring in the 86th minute when Nico O'Reilly's header struck the crossbar. Harry Kane collected the rebound but sent his left-footed effort over the bar.

Ghana's best opportunity arrived in the 78th minute when Abdul Fatawu won possession from England midfielder Eberechi Eze and surged forward down the flank. He passed to Prince Adu, who was challenged by Ezri Konsa before he could take a shot.

Adu appealed for a penalty, but none was awarded.

"It was a clear penalty, if not a red card," Queiroz said. "We have no doubts about that."

England coach Thomas Tuchel said his team was surprised by Ghana's defensive approach, with the Africans lining up in a 4-5-1 formation.

"They defended with a lot of determination. A lot of discipline," Tuchel said, describing Ghana as one of the most physical teams England has faced in the tournament.

Tuchel also rejected suggestions that England relied too heavily on captain Harry Kane.

"He was not involved as much as we would like to, but it was so narrow," Tuchel said. "It was difficult to find space. The little moments that he had were just so unlucky."

England controlled 60% of possession in the first half but managed only five shots, with Kane missing a chance inside the penalty area shortly before halftime, reports UNB.

Ghana looked more threatening after the break and created an opening in the 50th minute when Marvin Senaya got on the end of a ball inside the box, but his header lacked power and was comfortably dealt with by the England defence.

Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare kept a clean sheet on his World Cup debut.

"I think we did our best to get the best possible result that we were hoping for," Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo said. "It's just the plan of the coach and we did follow the coach."