England player ratings vs Ghana: Two 4/10s shocking as Thomas Tuchel given reality check | Football | Sport
Harry Kane missed a sitter late on for England (Image: Getty)
Thomas Tuchel’s England were dealt a reality check in their second group match against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. The 0-0 draw still leaves them in control of the group, with Panama to come in the final group match on Saturday.
After the buzz of Wednesday’s opener against Croatia, there was a sense of England coming back down to earth during the first half against Ghana. The African side set up with a deep block and frustrated the 1966 champions during a first 45 minutes where England failed to register a shot on target. Ghana didn’t offer much at the opposite end of the pitch, but they broke quickly and made it difficult for Tuchel’s men to build any form of rhythm.
It was in the second half of the Croatia match when things sparked into life, but that wasn’t the case in Boston. A sluggish start to proceedings forced Tuchel into a string of changes in search of a winner, and it did improve England’s chances with Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford both seeing chances come and go. But it was captain Harry Kane who had England’s best chance, with the striker blazing the ball over the crossbar from 12 yards out. Express Sport hand out player ratings after England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana.
Didn’t have much to do from a defensive point of view, but a moment of madness probably should’ve seen the England shot-stopper sent off. He came charging out for a ball, completely missed it and clattered the Ghana player in the process. Easily could’ve seen red.
Was up and down the right-hand side of the pitch. Didn’t do much wrong, but didn’t do much right either.
Brought into the team to replace former Manchester City team-mate John Stones, and had a couple of high balls to deal with.
Had enjoyed a relatively solid evening’s work, but was lucky not to have given a penalty away in the final 10 minutes of the game. He was flying into a tackle, yet got nowhere near the ball. Two fortunate reprieves for the Three Lions.
Was the eyebrow-raising change ahead of kick-off, with the Spurs ace replacing Nico O’Reilly in the starting XI. Took some time to get into the game, but did liven up in the second half.
Once again the beating heart of England’s midfield. Was the one cleaning up whenever Ghana broke forward and had been playing forward passes at every opportunity. Strange to have seen him subbed off with 20 minutes to play.
Had been an injury doubt heading into the game, but gave as good as he got. Grew into the match and threatened with his set piece deliveries.
England were frustrated by Ghana in the second of three group matches (Image: Getty)
From one of his best performances in an England shirt against Croatia to one of his quietest. In fairness, he isn’t the type of player who thrives against a deep block and the changes made plenty of sense.
Had come under some criticism for his performance against Croatia, but retained his spot for this one. Always a willing runner, but didn’t exactly dazzle on the left-hand side. Might struggle to keep his place in the line-up for the final group match.
So he is human after all? It was a quiet game for the Bayern Munich ace, but there was always a feeling one chance would fall his way. It did, and he blazed it over the bar. No excuses and he’ll be the first one to say that.
For all his critics, he was probably England’s most industrious attacker from the players who started. Despite that, it’s hard to see him starting against Panama on Saturday.
Having come close twice against Croatia, the City youngster was once again left with head in hands after clattering the crossbar from close range. He did everything right with the header.
Had a golden chance with a header just after coming off the bench, but couldn’t steer it goalwards. Stung the goalkeeper’s hands with a curling effort and delivered a wicked cross.
Felt like the substitute could’ve come sooner, given he’s a bit more technical than Jude Bellingham. Helped with some close passes in and around the penalty box, but didn’t leave a massive impression.
Similar to Morgan Rogers, the Arsenal star was looking to make things happen, but it just didn’t come off.
Another substitute that could’ve happened sooner, with the winger’s directness exactly what England were after.
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