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England found it difficult to replicate their four-goal triumph over Croatia when they faced Ghana in Group L of the 2026 World Cup.

The side that often belts out “Wonderwall” could not find a way through Ghana’s resolute yellow wall.

At Boston Stadium, even the DJ refrained from playing England’s customary Oasis anthem. There was nothing to celebrate. England managed a single point, which was all they merited after being held by Ghana’s well-organised midfield and defence. Their lofty ambitions were undone by Ghana’s disciplined low block.

Ghana, guided expertly by Carlos Queiroz, were superbly drilled. They blocked, intercepted, and cleared with composure, frustrating England to the point where Jude Bellingham left a late challenge on Jerome Opoku. A visibly irritated Queiroz made his feelings clear to the England midfielder. As the first half ended goalless and largely uninspiring, the Ghana players exchanged high-fives. Ranked 65th in the world, Ghana were effectively neutralising the team placed fourth in FIFA’s global rankings.

England once again began nervously, much like in their clash with Croatia. Manager Thomas Tuchel tweaked his back four in search of greater stability, bringing in Marc Guehi as the left-sided centre-back. Guehi was immediately beaten aerially by Jordan Ayew. Tuchel also opted for Djed Spence’s pace at left-back to counter Antoine Semenyo, who surprisingly started on the opposite flank. That left Spence facing Inaki Williams, while Semenyo worked tirelessly on the left, tracking back and helping Gideon Mensah double up on Noni Madueke.

England supporters grew increasingly frustrated but remained hopeful. Many had gathered for hours outside the Patriots’ home ground, paying as much as $200 for parking, singing about consuming all the local beer—if any remained after the Tartan Army’s visit.

The fans sang about Thomas Partey, reminisced about “World In Motion,” and voiced their determination to end decades of disappointment by reaching the final.

However, little in this match suggested England could compete with top-tier sides like France, Argentina, or Spain. The team lacked flair and technical creativity to dismantle Ghana’s defensive shape. Only Bellingham occasionally looked capable of providing the spark.

There were fleeting moments of promise before the hydration break halted any building momentum. Reece James made an encouraging run, Declan Rice sent a free-kick over the bar, and James swung a long pass to Anthony Gordon, but overall, the play lacked inspiration and threat.

With the temperature barely above 20°C and a light drizzle falling, FIFA’s unpopular hydration break — effectively a commercial pause — was greeted with boos from the crowd.

The interruption came just after the match was stopped for concussion checks on James and Ayew. Tuchel used the pause to urge his players to “play it short, short” and then “switch” the ball quickly, flooding forward to break down Ghana’s compact defence.

Madueke eventually found some space down the right and delivered a cross that Rice headed over. Harry Kane tried to carve a path through the inside-right channel but was quickly smothered by Ghana’s backline. Jonas Adjetey and Opoku were immense, clearing everything in sight. England simply lacked a difference-maker. Queiroz had clearly outmanoeuvred Tuchel.

Assistant coach Anthony Barry spoke at half-time about the need for “patience.” Tuchel stuck with his starting eleven until later, when he introduced Bukayo Saka for the subdued Gordon and Nico O’Reilly for Spence. Ghana continued to threaten on the counter, forcing Bellingham into a crucial tackle on the lively Semenyo.

Marvin Seneya saw one shot blocked, but the biggest scare for England came just before the second hydration break. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford raced out of his area to challenge Prince Adu for a through ball. Both players tumbled to the ground, and it appeared a clear free-kick for Ghana and possibly a yellow card for Pickford. However, Honduran referee Said Martinez sided with England, to the surprise of neutrals and the anger of Ghana’s supporters.

The additional stoppage drew further boos from the stands.

Tuchel made further changes, sending on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers for Elliot Anderson and Bellingham. Ghana, meanwhile, became increasingly dangerous on the break. With 13 minutes left, Prince Adu went down under a forceful challenge from Ezri Konsa, who was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty or receiving a card. Konsa’s right boot clearly caught the Ghanaian on the knee.

Marcus Rashford entered the fray late as England pushed desperately for a winner. Saka cut in from the right and forced Benjamin Asare into a smart save with a low left-footed strike. O’Reilly’s header rattled the bar, and Kane fired over soon after, but Ghana’s defenders held firm to claim a well-earned point. England now face Panama on Saturday, knowing they cannot afford to rest or rotate.