England's familiar second-game curse struck once more at FIFA World Cup 2026 as Ghana frustrated the Three Lions to a 0-0 stalemate at Boston Stadium, in front of 63,983 spectators on Tuesday evening.
For the fourth successive tournament — following draws against Scotland in 2021, the USA in 2022, and Denmark in 2024 — England struggled to impose themselves in their second group fixture. Ghana, the second-lowest-ranked side at this World Cup, were entirely content to defend deep and claim a point that all but guarantees their own passage to the last 32.
England's laboured performance
The Three Lions dominated possession throughout, completing 190 more passes than their opponents in the opening 35 minutes alone. Yet it took that long for England to manufacture even a half-chance, when Declan Rice headed over following a bright moment from Noni Madueke down the flank.
The half-time interval raised expectations of a repeat of the stirring team-talk from manager Thomas Tuchel that had transformed England's display against Croatia six days earlier. Instead, the second half mirrored the first — flat and short on ideas. Anthony Gordon finally registered England's first shot on target in the 46th minute, but his tame effort was comfortably gathered by Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Konsa escape and Kane's costly miss
Ghana came close to snatching all three points when substitute Prince Adu was played through on goal and appeared to be brought down by a reckless Ezri Konsa challenge. Both the on-field officials and VAR declined to award a penalty, to considerable bewilderment.
England's best opportunity arrived in the dying moments when Nico O'Reilly's header rattled the crossbar. The ball dropped to Harry Kane — the one player any England supporter would have chosen to receive it — but the captain skied the rebound over an open goal with three minutes remaining.
Still in control, but questions remain
England now hold four points from two games and remain on course for the knockout stages, though they have not yet secured top spot in Group L. Saturday's final group game against Panama will offer Tuchel's side the chance to finish the job — but the questions about their lack of intensity will not fade easily after this subdued evening in Boston.
