World Cup 2026: England and Ghana play out scoreless draw in Group L

Before this encounter, England had opened their account with a 4-2 win over Croatia, while Ghana had beaten Panama 1-0. This clash was expected to be decisive in establishing positive momentum in the group stage.

The match was marked by England’s overwhelming dominance of possession (78%), as they piled on attacking attempts with 17 shots, including three on target. Despite that pressure, the Lions of Teranga held firm, thanks in particular to the vigilance of their goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was credited with three decisive saves. Ghana managed only two shots but succeeded in keeping a clean sheet.

In a hard-fought match, both teams showed acceptable discipline, with one yellow card for Declan Rice (England, 41st) and another for Iñaki Williams (Ghana, 60th). Coaches Thomas Tuchel and Carlos Queiroz made several changes in the second half in an attempt to break the deadlock, notably bringing on Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham for England, as well as Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Prince Kwabena Adu and Jordan Ayew for Ghana.

This draw does not change the established order in Group L, where England and Ghana now look ahead to their next matches with six points already on the board.

England deploy a solid 4-2-3-1 under Thomas Tuchel

England manager Thomas Tuchel lined up his players in a 4-2-3-1, relying on a central defensive pairing of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guéhi, the latter producing a notable performance. The midfield included Declan Rice in a ball-winning role alongside Elliot Anderson, while Jude Bellingham drove the attacking unit. Harry Kane, leading the line, was supported by Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke on the wings. Despite massive possession and numerous opportunities, England were unable to make the breakthrough.

Ghana resist in a 4-1-4-1 with a well-organized block

Carlos Queiroz opted for a 4-1-4-1 setup, with Thomas Partey as the holding midfielder in front of the defense. The back line was anchored by Jonas Adjei Adjetey and Jerome Opoku in central defense, assisted by full-backs Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya. The midfield was driven by Iñaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo and Caleb Yirenkyi, while Jordan Ayew played up front. Collective solidity and defensive work, coupled with a decisive performance from goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, enabled Ghana to contain England’s attack.