England midfielder Declan Rice expressed frustration after Thomas Tuchel's side were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that breaking down a team defending so deep with all 11 players was a formidable challenge.

Ghana's Black Stars delivered a disciplined, organised performance throughout the contest, frustrating England's attempts to find an opening and earning a result that keeps them firmly in the running for a place in the round of 32.

A wall England could not breach

Despite dominating possession, England struggled to carve out meaningful chances against Carlos Queiroz's side, who sat deep in a compact 5-4-1 shape and defended with patience, concentration, and considerable courage.

Ghana Premier League goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced important saves in the second half, while the Black Stars' back line repeatedly blocked, cleared, and disrupted England's attacking moves to preserve the clean sheet.

"It is always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball as deep as they were, but you have to find solutions," Rice told the BBC after the final whistle. "In the last 10 minutes we were unlucky not to score."

Rice was candid about England's limitations on the ball but remained upbeat ahead of the final group fixture. "We can do more with the ball," he acknowledged. "But you have to give credit to Ghana — it's tough and they are good players, so it was never going to be an easy game."

Both sides still in contention

The draw leaves both Ghana and England on four points apiece heading into the final round of group matches. Rice pointed to England's upcoming clash with Panama as an opportunity to top Group L, urging his teammates to stay positive.

"We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama so positivity all round," he said. "Loads of top nations draw their first game, so there is no need to be negative or downbeat. We will stay positive."

For Ghana, the point is equally significant. A draw in their final group match against Croatia on 27 June would be enough to send the Black Stars into the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.