Kane waste leaves England frustrated in goalless World Cup draw with Ghana

Defensive masterclass by Ghana

Ghana, ranked 73rd in the world, 69 places below England, set up to frustrate from the start. Coach Carlos Queiroz, in his fifth World Cup, urged his team to defend deep and deny space, and the first half became the first at this tournament in which neither side registered a shot on target. England enjoyed nearly 80% possession for long spells but could not find a way through.

“When you have to defend, you defend. I cannot play samba when they play rock and roll.”

Kane fluffs late golden chance

England finally began to create openings in the second half as Thomas Tuchel sent on Nico O'Reilly, Bukayo Saka and others. In the 86th minute O'Reilly headed against the crossbar and the rebound fell to Harry Kane six yards out, but the England captain blasted over. It was a rare miss for the striker, who has 81 international goals and was chasing Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record.

“I was just there waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way. It was kind of a game as a striker that you're just waiting for the ball to bounce. And it did. I just couldn't quite get over the ball.”

Tuchel’s changes fail to unlock Ghana

Tuchel altered his defence from the win over Croatia, handing starts to Djed Spence and Marc Guehi, but his side could not replicate the attacking verve of the 4‑2 opener. He introduced Saka and O'Reilly on 65 minutes, then Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, and finally Marcus Rashford, but each fresh wave was absorbed. England assistant Anthony Barry noted at halftime that Ghana were defending “deep, deep, deep, probably deeper than we expected.”

“Normally, a clear goal for us. It's a big chance and then another chance. It would've been deserved.”

Partey returns, Asare stands tall

Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama game because Canadian authorities denied him a visa, the former Arsenal midfielder is facing trial on rape charges in the UK. In goal, Benjamin Asare of local side Hearts of Oak started in place of the injured first‑choice keeper and kept England at bay. Ghana’s only serious threat came in the 78th minute when Prince Adu was challenged by Ezri Konsa after a counter‑attack; no foul was given.

Group L wide open with one match to play

Both sides now sit on four points, with Croatia and Panama on zero before their match later on Tuesday. England face Panama on Saturday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while Ghana meet Croatia in Philadelphia. A point from either fixture will likely secure progression, but the battle for group winner remains tight.