By VIVIAN AHANMISI

England and Ghana played out a 0–0 draw in a tightly fought Group L encounter, defined by key moments and missed chances at crucial stages.

England dominated possession from the opening stages, circulating the ball patiently but struggling to find penetration against Ghana’s compact defensive structure and disciplined midfield screening.

Ghana remained organised and compact, inviting pressure before breaking quickly, with their shape forcing England into wide areas and limiting central attacking combinations.

The first major moment came in the 18th minute when Harry Kane was denied from close range after a crowded box situation broke down inside the six-yard area.

England came closer in the 34th minute when Nico O’Reilly struck the crossbar from 20 yards, with the rebound cleared before Kane could react.

Ghana’s best opening arrived in the 61st minute when Prince Kwabena Adu burst through midfield, forcing a sharp save and a scrambled England recovery inside the box.

Momentum briefly stalled in the 30th and 75th minutes due to hydration breaks, disrupting rhythm as both sides struggled to regain attacking fluency after stoppages.

England introduced attacking reinforcements around the 70th minute, including Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, but Ghana’s defensive line held firm under sustained pressure.

The decisive late chance came in the 82nd minute when Kane failed to convert from close range after a rebound inside a congested penalty area.

England pushed until the 90th minute, pinning Ghana deep, but the African side resisted bravely to secure a valuable point in a pulsating but goalless draw.

England will face Panama in their final group match on June 27.

Ghana will take on Croatia on the same day in a crucial encounter that could determine qualification from the group. (NAN)

Update news