England dominated possession but failed to convert late scoring opportunities resulting in a rain-filled 0-0 draw against Ghana.
The result leaves both teams with work to do in Group L to secure a knockout spot at the expanded 48-team World Cup. However, with the new format allowing the eight best third-place teams to advance both sides remain in a strong position.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz successfully executed a defensive strategy to frustrate the English side. The tactical deadlock was a stark contrast to four years ago at the World Cup in Qatar where England defeated Queiroz’s former squad Iran 6-2.
"Our plan was to block and frustrate them from the first minute," Queiroz said. "We did it."
England outshot Ghana 19-1 but could not break through a disciplined 4-5-1 formation.
"They got exactly out of the game what they played for," England midfielder Jude Bellingham said. "We couldn't quite break them down even with all the corners possession and shots."
England coach Thomas Tuchel admitted Ghana's physical and disciplined defending caught them by surprise. He also defended striker Harry Kane who struggled to find space inside the narrow Ghanaian defense.
Both teams had won their opening matches, with Ghana defeating Panama 1-0 and England beating Croatia 4-2. On Saturday, England will face Panama in East Rutherford New Jersey while Ghana takes on Croatia in Philadelphia.
