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:
‘We need mavericks’: 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?
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.
Has Fifa’s new World Cup format made the group stage less exciting?
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
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
Who has qualified for the knockout stages and which teams have been eliminated from the World Cup?
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.
Jude Bellingham says England played with ‘little bit of fear’ against ‘exceptional’ Ghana
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.”
Harry Maguire gives verdict on England’s draw with Ghana as Gary Neville names player likely to be dropped
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.”
Thomas Tuchel dismisses World Cup ‘wake-up call’ claims after England held by Ghana
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.”
‘Superb’ Ghana give England a tough run: “It feels like a step back”
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
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.