Nico O’Reilly came closest to scoring with a late header for England that hit the bar, but after the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a performance that will raise doubts as to their chances of going all the way and winning the tournament.
They dominated possession and had 19 shots to their opponents’ two, yet rarely looked like scoring past Ghana’s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 fans at the Gillette Stadium near Boston.
Both teams have four points with one game still to play in Group L, with progression to the next round all but assured but their final positions still in the balance.
In damp, cool conditions, England delivered a stodgy performance that echoed some of their faltering displays during Euro 2024.
However, there are no dramatic consequences, as England take a step closer to the last 32. All they need do now is safely negotiate their final group fixture against Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and they will be able to turn their attentions to the knockout rounds.
England have still never lost to African opposition at the World Cup, and that record was rarely at risk of ending here.
Ghana nevertheless battled brilliantly, as the nation ranked 73rd in the world – 69 places behind England – put up a determined defensive display. (AFP)
