England were left frustrated by a stubborn Ghana to prolong their wait to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds - but Thomas Tuchel was told his side were “very lucky” to get away with a 0-0 draw after two key incidents went their way.
Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz joked the VAR was “on vacation” and “went for a coffee” after England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford collided with Prince Ade outside the penalty area in the 66th minute then, in the 78th minute, Ezri Konsa brought down Prince Adu in the box without getting the ball.
“I’m not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It’s working?” Queiroz asked. “I have some doubts about that. It’s a clear penalty and a red card. We had our chances to the point that they’re lucky. They’re very lucky.”
England had a couple of late chances, with Nico O’Reilly heading against the bar Harry Kane’s follow-up inexplicably ballooned over the bar, but the drab 0-0 draw means Tuchel’s side will now have to complete their progress to the last 32 against eliminated Panama in New York on Saturday.
Thomas Partey was booed by the Three Lions fans in the first half, with the Ghana midfielder back after missing the Panama match, having been denied entry to Canada while facing a rape charge. While the former Arsenal star was also seemingly snubbed by Djed Spence in the pre-match handshakes between the sides.
Follow all of the latest reaction and analysis from this Group L stalemate below:
England vs Ghana LIVE: Latest World Cup reaction
- England frustrated in Ghana stalemate in second-game syndrome
- VAR 'went for a coffee' as Ghana complain about penalty and red card
- Jude Bellingham: 'I don't deserve player of match award'
- Bellingham involved in foul-mouthed bust-up with Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz
- Declan Rice sparks England injury fears after limping with bandaged leg
- Thomas Partey booed by Three Lions fans at Boston Stadium
- Copa Independent with Miguel Delaney: “It feels like a step back”
‘We need mavericks’: Readers question England’s World Cup chances after ‘turgid’ Ghana draw
14:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Readers question England’s World Cup chances after ‘turgid’ Ghana draw
What do Scotland and Brazil need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group C?
14:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland’s hopes of advancing at the World Cup are hanging in the balance - as they now prepare for their final group game against Brazil in Miami.
The Tartan Army’s worst fears from the opening 1-0 win against Haiti were realised almost as soon as Scotland kicked off against Morocco. Scotland knew they couldn’t afford another disjointed performance, but were nevertheless stunned by Ismael Saibari’s thumping finish after just 70 seconds, which proved the difference.
Steve Clarke’s side now face the daunting task of playing five-time winners Brazil, who got into their groove against Haiti last time out, with the Scots needing a draw - or, at the least, needing to avoid a heavy defeat - to advance to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.
What do Scotland and Brazil need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group C?
Has Fifa's new World Cup format made the group stage less exciting?
14:04 , Jamie Braidwood
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
13:42 , Miguel Delaney Chief Football Writer
The final round of group stage games will lack the drama of 2022, with a strange decision to revamp the tie-breaking rules likely to produce a number of dead rubbers
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
Who has qualified for the knockout stages and which teams have been eliminated from the World Cup?
13:22 , Lawrence Ostlere
The group stage of World Cup 2026 is nearing a conclusion and the battle is on for a place in knockout stages.
For the first time in the World Cup’s history, 48 nations are competing in the tournament. They were divided in 12 groups of four, with co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada all given top-seed status in the draw.
The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up will automatically go through to the round of 32, and they will be joined by the eight best third-placed finishers, based on points and goal difference at the end of the group stage.
Seven teams have booked their place in the knockout rounds after winning both of their opening matches. Five teams have so far been eliminated from the competition after losing both of their fixtures.
Who has qualified for World Cup’s last-32 and who has been eliminated?
Jude Bellingham says England played with ‘little bit of fear’ against ‘exceptional’ Ghana
13:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Jude Bellingham struck a positive note after England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in their second World Cup group stage game, saying the result, and the experience playing against an “exceptional” team, provided a “good test”.
“Maybe we’re not only going to play teams from Europe or what we are used to. It’s amazing to be able to play so early, a strong opponent from Africa who pose completely different threats.
“You saw that, it was tough to break them down. They were exceptional on the counter attack. We always kept that little bit of fear in us when we were going forward.”
Bellingham says England played with ‘little bit of fear’ against ‘exceptional’ Ghana
Harry Maguire gives verdict on England’s draw with Ghana as Gary Neville names player likely to be dropped
12:49 , Jamie Braidwood
England are not expected to be "too downbeat" following their goalless draw against Ghana, according to defender Harry Maguire.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Maguire stated: "I think they’ll look back at it and think, in the grand scheme of things, we drew our second game against the USA in the last World Cup.
“We were disappointed, but we knew we were in control of the group, you go and play your third game, you win the game and everything’s forgotten about and you go on to the knockout.
"So I don’t think they’ll be too downbeat. I think a few lads will be disappointed, probably, with the individual performances. But as a group and a collective I’m sure tomorrow will be a new day and they’ll just look forward to Panama and getting the win."
Harry Maguire gives verdict on England’s draw with Ghana
Thomas Tuchel dismisses World Cup ‘wake-up call’ claims after England held by Ghana
12:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Thomas Tuchel has dismissed suggestions that England received a "wake-up call" following their goalless draw against Ghana, which came after a thrilling opening victory in the World Cup.
"No, we don’t need a wake-up call," Tuchel stated. "Everyone is alert and everyone is fully committed. There can be no doubt, I can assure that to everyone.
"There was no overconfidence in our game, not at all. If – if – there was anything, there was maybe in some moments a bit of overcautious (play), but we were never overconfident."
Thomas Tuchel dismisses World Cup ‘wake-up call’ claims after England held by Ghana
‘Superb’ Ghana give England a tough run: “It feels like a step back”
12:23 , Copa Independent
After England’s second World Cup finished in a disappointing 0-0 draw, how much of a frustrating stalemate was down to Thomas Tuchel’s side’s failure to push through? Was there anything they could have done against Ghana’s impressive defence?
Listen to the full episode, ‘What England MUST change against Panama after drab Ghana draw’, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
Gianni Infantino defends World Cup hydration breaks - and says they could be here to stay
12:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Gianni Infantino has defended the controversial introduction of mandatory hydration breaks at the World Cup 2026 and said Fifa will consider implementing them at future tournaments.
The Fifa president insisted that the mandatory three-minute breaks, which take place in the middle of every match at the tournament, bring “no additional revenue for Fifa” and have been introduced to protect player welfare.
Infantino defends World Cup hydration breaks - and says they could be here to stay
‘The VAR went for a coffee’: Were England ‘lucky’ to avoid World Cup defeat to Ghana?
11:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz said his side were denied a “clear penalty” and a “red card” against England and joked that the VAR was “on holiday” and must have “gone for a coffee” to have missed both incidents.
Queiroz said England were “very lucky” that both incidents went their way after Jordan Pickford avoided a red card after colliding with forward Prince Abu outside the box and defender Ezri Konsa later brought Abu tumbling inside the area.
“I’m not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It’s working?” Queiroz asked after the 0-0 draw in Boston.
“I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England [was missed]. We had our chances to the point that they’re lucky. They’re very lucky.”
‘The VAR went for a coffee’: Were England ‘lucky’ to avoid World Cup defeat?
England player ratings v Ghana
11:44 , Kieran Jackson
Nico O’Reilly - 7. So unlucky not to score after rising highest in the box late on, but his header rattled the crossbar.
Morgan Rogers – 6. Looked bright when he came on for Bellingham and may well get his chance from the start against Panama.
Eberechi Eze - 5. Gave the ball away cheaply, which presented a chance for Ghana on the break, and didn’t do much attacking-wise in his 20 minutes on the pitch.
Marcus Rashford - 7. The main question is: why did it take Tuchel until 82 minutes to bring him in? Immediately looked threatening on the left: direct and brave on the ball. Should start against Panama.
The worst game of tournament so far
11:29 , Richard Jolly in Boston
Maybe this World Cup had been just too exciting. Previously sceptical Americans were in danger of being converted to soccer. The various ills of Gianni Infantino and Fifa were being camouflaged by a flood of goals, many of them fine.
Not here. Loud boos greeted the hydration breaks, though they were no less eventful than much of the match. At least when nothing happened during them, there was no actual expectation of anything occurring. This was the worst match of the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel had stated he had enjoyed one of the best weeks of his career. But that was before a shocker of a match. His team emerged with a point and retain top spot in Group L. But, frustrated and frustrating, they were dismal nonetheless.
Dismal England serve up World Cup shocker to highlight old problem
England player ratings v Ghana
11:14 , Kieran Jackson
Anthony Gordon – 4
Quiet last week, the Barcelona winger actually started sharply but faded massively and backed out of an aerial contest with Senaya defensively, which almost cost England a goal. Gordon did have the first shot on target of the game in the 57th minute, but he hasn’t done enough over two matches and he will be lucky not to lose his starting spot for Marcus Rashford against Panama on Saturday.
Harry Kane – 5
Overtook David Beckham (watching on in the stands) in the all-time England appearances list... but that was just about as good as it got for the Three Lions captain on Tuesday. And that glorious late chance, skying high with his left foot with the goal at his mercy, will haunt him. An off day.
Bukayo Saka - 7. Had a really good sight on goal after coming on, but his header ballooned over. Also worked keeper Benjamin Asare with a shot rifled towards the corner. Is he fit enough to start against Panama?
England fans boo hydration breaks during World Cup clash with Ghana
10:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Fans let their dissatisfaction be felt during England’s Group L encounter against Ghana by loudly booing the decision to take a hydration midway through the first half.
The pause, made mandatory by Fifa for every match at this year’s tournament, came just a few moments after a previous stoppage in which England defender Reece James and Ghana striker Jordan Ayew both received medical treatment following a clash of heads.
England had won a throw in as they attempted to break down Ghana’s compact and deep defensive shape with the match still goalless when the hydration break was called.
Fifa responds after England fans boo hydration breaks during World Cup
England player ratings v Ghana
10:44 , Kieran Jackson
Declan Rice – 6
Most influential player on the pitch in a drab first-half, with a free-kick and header over the bar, but the midfield linchpin did pick up a needless booking. Set-piece deliveries were a tad predictable.
Noni Madueke – 6
Again, won the battle of the wingers, but wasn’t as impactful as he was against Croatia. Bright on the right-hand side and carved out more opportunities than Gordon on the left, but was wasteful when he had a glimpse of goal. Could lose his spot to Bukayo Saka.
Jude Bellingham – 5
A day of frustration for England’s No 10. Struggled to make an impact going forward, but did make a perfectly timed tackle to deny Semenyo a run on goal. A bit stale, nonetheless.
The risk of playing Declan Rice in World Cup group finale against Panama
10:29 , Will Castle
Thomas Tuchel may opt to leave Declan Rice out of England’s final Group L match against Panama to avoid risking his absence for the round of 32.
Rice picked up a yellow card in Tuesday’s drab goalless draw with Ghana in Boston, which saw the Three Lions stay level with the African nation on four points at the top of the group.
It means England have business to do in their third group outing against Panama on Saturday 27 June but midfield mainstay Rice could be dropped to avoid the risk of suspension.
The risk of playing Declan Rice in World Cup group finale against Panama
England player ratings v Ghana
10:14 , Kieran Jackson
Marc Guehi – 7
Replacing Manchester City teammate John Stones in the starting XI, Guehi slotted in seamlessly. Should start at the back for the foreseeable, such is his poise and pace. Had a header cleared off the line in stoppage time.
Djed Spence – 7
A surprise starting pick over Nico O’Reilly, Spence was solid on his first World Cup start. While he didn’t actually face a single one-on-one battle with Antoine Semenyo, he did cover well to deny Marvin Senaya after his second-half burst into the box.
Elliot Anderson – 6
Struggled to influence proceedings in the same way as he did against Croatia, but perhaps inevitable given Ghana’s shape. Didn’t do enough with a free header at the back post on 61 minutes.
Declan Rice urges England to remain 'positive'
09:59 , Jack Rathborn
It’s always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball and as deep as they were. You have to find solutions and the last 10 minutes we probably found more than we did the whole game,” Rice told BBC One.
“We were probably a bit unlucky not to score, but, look, we stay positive. We keep going and still have a great chance to top the group against Panama, so positivity all round.
“You have to give credit to Ghana – 5-4-1, off the ball very, very compact, tight space to play through, but of course on the other hand, maybe we can do more with the ball and create a bit more.
“Look, it’s tough. They are good players, it was never going to be an easy game and now we have one more in the group to finish top, so we need to be positive.
“Loads of top nations drew their first game. No need to be negative or downbeat. We need to stay positive, keep going and recover for the next match. That’s what we will do.”
England player ratings v Ghana
09:44 , Kieran Jackson
Jordan Pickford – 6
Did not have a single save to make but was perhaps fortunate to escape without sanction after a collision with Ghana substitute Prince Kwabena Adu outside the penalty area. A welcome clean sheet after conceding two goals against Croatia.
Reece James – 6
Teamed up nicely with Noni Madueke on the right early on but was slow and predictable with the ball at his feet. Was it the sort of game where England missed the ingenuity of, say, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back?
Ezri Konsa – 6
Made a crucial intervention from Antoine Semenyo in the box at the end of the first-half and looked more assured after his shaky World Cup debut against Croatia. Was he lucky not to give away a penalty in the second-half after a questionable lunge? Perhaps.
Jude Bellingham admits England suffering from 'second game fever'
09:29 , Jamie Braidwood
England have now drawn their second game at the last four major tournaments. “It was very frustrating, like second game fever, the same as always with us,” Jude Bellingham said.
“It feels like in all the tournaments I’ve been to, it’s been the same, a decent performance to start and a good win. And then just the second one, frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up.
“Credit to them, they got exactly out of the game what they played for, we couldn’t quite break them down, and even with all the corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance. But it’s one of those things that happens.”
Declan Rice sparks England injury fears after limping with bandaged leg after Ghana draw
09:14 , Alex Pattle
Declan Rice has sparked fears over an injury, with the midfielder appearing to limp through the mixed zone after England’s World Cup draw with Ghana, while sporting bandaging around his left calf.
The midfielder had been an injury doubt before the group-stage 0-0, but he played the full 90 minutes – perhaps to his and England’s detriment.
Many fans will have felt it was a concerning performance in Boston as Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to break down Ghana’s intense low block, and there was a concerning scene when Rice, 27, appeared to limp through the media area.
Declan Rice sparks England injury fears after limping with bandaged leg
England player ratings vs Ghana: Who failed to perform in drab World Cup draw?
08:59 , Kieran Jackson
England were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana in their second World Cup group-stage match in Boston on Tuesday.
After so much optimism following the entertaining 4-2 win against Croatia, it was a draining afternoon for Thomas Tuchel’s side this time around in a result which leaves Group L, and specifically top spot, in the balance.
Following a drab first-half, Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson had decent openings in the second-half before Harry Kane spurned the best opportunity of the match late on. Overall, the Three Lions struggled to create many chances against a dogged, defensive Ghanaian outfit, coached by ex-Man Utd assistant Carlos Queiroz.
The result, which means England have drawn their second match in their last four major tournaments, means both England and Ghana are level on four points ahead of their final matches on Saturday: England face group minnows Panama and Ghana take on Croatia.
England player ratings vs Ghana: Who failed to perform in drab World Cup draw?
England face an unexpected World Cup consequence after dull draw with Ghana
08:44 , Miguel Delaney at Boston Stadium
That might not have much material meaning to the group, since England are still in command. A win against Panama keeps them top, but it might have other effects.
One is physical. Given how the schedule now gets very compact and demanding – with the potential of at least two games in very difficult conditions – they could have done with the breather of playing a second string against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday.
That could yet prove important.
The second is psychological.
The unexpected World Cup consequence England now face after dull draw with Ghana
The flaw in England’s World Cup plan is now clear to see after Ghana stalemate
08:29 , Richard Jolly at Boston Stadium
Thomas Tuchel might regret not opting for a wildcard option with England lacking a spark off the bench to change a dull and lifeless game against Ghana
The flaw in England’s World Cup plan is now clear to see after Ghana stalemate
Djed Spence appears to snub Thomas Partey handshake as England fans boo Ghana midfielder
08:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Thomas Partey was heavily booed by England fans and Djed Spence appeared to snub a handshake with the Ghana international ahead of the World Cup clash in Boston.
Videos on social media seemed to show the Tottenham defender refuse to put his hand out to the 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder after the national anthems were sung.
'He had one word that is not in the book of life - it could create a little fire'
07:59 , Jamie Braidwood
“He had a bad reaction with some bad names, that’s why the story started,” Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz later said. “My intention was to tell him to cool down with that tackle. It could be a second yellow card, a red card, because he went with his foot against my player.”
Asked what Jude Bellingham had said, Queiroz replied: “It was nothing special. It’s just that emotional moment, the moment he had one word that is not in the book of life. It could create a little bit of fire. But immediately as professionals we pulled up. Football is something for brave people – not for people dancing in tuxedos.”
Jude Bellingham involved in foul-mouthed bust-up with Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz
07:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Jude Bellingham was involved in a brief bust-up with Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz with England manager Thomas Tuchel denying that their Group L opponents “got under their skin” during the 0-0 draw in Boston.
The heated incident came at half-time and shortly after Bellingham fouled Jerome Opoku near to Ghana’s technical area. Bellingham and Queiroz exchanged words and the England midfielder had to be pulled away by team-mate Morgan Rogers while several Ghana substitutes held back the veteran Queiroz.
Jude Bellingham involved in foul-mouthed bust-up with Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz
England incidents examined: Ezri Konsa on Prince Abu
07:37 , Jamie Braidwood
England then got away with one again shortly after.
With Prince Adu sent in behind once more after Eberechi Eze was shoulder-barged off the ball, Ezri Konsa made a last-ditch lunging challenge to thwart the Viktoria Plzen player but got none of the ball, wrapping his leg around and making contact with Adu’s knee, who then went down.
After a scramble to clear the ball ended in the offside flag going up, there was no sign of a VAR check taking place to review the incident and play resumed shortly after with an England free-kick.
England incidents examined: Jordan Pickford on Prince Adu
07:27 , Jamie Braidwood
In a game that lacked forward inspiration for either team, Ghana looked to break on the counter in the 67th minute as substitute Prince Kwabena Adu surged towards the box, chasing a forward ball.
Pickford rushed out of his area in a bid to get there first but instead collided with Adu as there pair went in for a 50/50 challenge.
While both men had the right to challenge for the ball, it looked like Pickford had committed the foul, clattering into Adu after the Ghana midfielder made an attempt to touch the ball, which had by the point of contact ran just past Pickford.
But in a huge reprieve for England, referee Saíd Martínez of Honduras awarded the free-kick in favour of Pickford, who picked up a knock on the shin in the process.
Last night: Croatia pile pressure on England with nervy World Cup win over eliminated Panama
07:18 , Kieran Jackson
Ante Budimir’s second-half goal kept Croatia’s hopes of progressing to the latter stages alive but knocked out Panama, ahead of their final group-stage clash against England
Croatia pile pressure on England with nervyWorld Cup win over eliminated Panama
Dismal England serve up World Cup shocker to highlight old problem
07:11 , Richard Jolly, at Boston Stadium
The surge isn’t sustained, but it means another more dour trend is continued. For the fourth tournament in a row, England draw their second game.
Momentum is stalled, expectation drops back again. They weren't looking like champions in this one. Thomas Tuchel hasn’t changed everything yet. Far from it. Nothing he did seemed to change the game here. Ghana were excellent value for a 0-0 draw, with a supremely disciplined defensive performance. And while Tuchel raged, Carlos Queiroz was punching the air with his delighted players. They celebrated this like a win, and it still could have been that.
Dismal England serve up World Cup shocker to highlight old problem
Jude Bellingham questions odd World Cup call after ‘second game fever’
07:10 , Kieran Jackson
Jude Bellingham questioned why he was named player of the match in England’s drab goalless draw against Ghana at the World Cup.
A standout performer and goalscorer in England’s opening win against Croatia, Bellingham struggled to impact the game in Boston as Ghana stayed solid in their deep defensive shape.
Bellingham was substituted for No 10 rival Morgan Rogers with 20 minutes to go and the Real Madrid midfielder, having been named as a surprise recipient of the player of the match award, admitted it was another case of “second game fever” for the Three Lions, who have now drawn their second group game in their last four major tournaments.
Bellingham questions odd World Cup call after ‘second game fever’ for England
Carlos Queiroz jokes 'VAR went for a coffee' for Ghana penalty claim
07:08 , Jamie Braidwood
“I’m not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It’s working?
“I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England (was missed). We had our chances to the point that they’re lucky. They’re very lucky.
“Once again, VAR went for a coffee. It’s natural, I would like to also take my coffees once in a while, but it was a clear penalty, red card.
“You have any doubts about that? You guys who saw the game have any doubts about that or is it only me that was in the game?
“At the end of the day, that’s why I say it was a fair result. They play more time with the ball, we fight more, we fight better, we create our chances, they have chances at the end.
“I think they are happy and I am happy also with the draw. I’m sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say these kind of things seriously they punish me, so I hope you understand that I’m joking.”
