ENGLAND were brought back down to earth as they laboured to a 0-0 draw with Ghana.
The Three Lions had gotten their World Cup campaign off to a perfect start last week by beating Croatia 4-2 in Texas.
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England failed to build on their previous win over Croatia Credit: PA
Thomas Tuchel’s side laboured for long periods against stubborn Ghana Credit: AFP
Much was expected from their second group game, but Thomas Tuchel‘s side never truly got going.
Ghana put up stubborn resistance under their wily boss Carlos Queiroz.
Despite England‘s efforts, they could not break through.
Here’s how JattvibeSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England performer in Massachusetts.
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Bellingham appears to swear at Ghana bench in sweary World Cup row
Jordan Pickford – 6
Endured one scary moment in an otherwise eventless match as he and Prince Adu clattered into each other as the Ghanaian raced towards the box.
Fortunately, the free-kick was given against Adu and Pickford ended up with his 46th clean sheet in 86 appearances.
Reece James – 5
With England struggling to find joy through a congested middle, it was up to the players on the flanks to make things happen.
Chelsea right-back James did have one decent link-up with Noni Madueke with an underlapping run, but that was about it.
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Ezri Konsa – 5
Had his heart in his mouth after a risky challenge on Adu late on, but luckily the ref did not give a penalty.
Because of Ghana’s low block, no-press approach, he touched the ball almost three times more than Ghana’s most involved player.
Marc Guehi – 6
Came in for John Stones and did not do anything wrong, though he was not tested much by Ghana’s defensively-minded attack
Had a header cleared off the line in stoppage time.
Marc Guehi came into the starting XI for John Stones Credit: Getty
Djed Spence – 7
The first Muslim player to start a game for England at a World Cup, as he came in for Nico O’Reilly. Refused to shake Thomas Partey’s hand before kick-off.
Made a great tackle on Marvin Senaya early on in the second half after the Auxerre defender had snuck in behind Anthony Gordon, yet was subbed on 65.
Elliot Anderson – 7
England’s quarter-back in midfield at the home of the NFL icon Tom Brady and our only impressive performer in tedious first half.
He ran things from the middle of the park and played passes forward with a zip others lacked.
Elliot Anderson tried his best in the middle of the park Credit: Getty
Declan Rice – 6
His set-pieces failed to hit his usual heights and was bullied off the ball, but also was in the right place at the right time for his team defensively late on.
You have to wonder just how much this neural pain that Rice has been managing since Christmas is affecting him. Booked.
Noni Madueke – 5
Largely ineffectual down England’s left as Ghana doubled up on him throughout.
Fired a poor shot high and wide just before he switched to the left when Bukayo Saka came on, but again he struggled to make an impact.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Earned his 50th cap, breaking Wayne Rooney’s record to become the youngest ever Englishman to reach that haul, eight days short of his 23rd birthday.
But this was hardly one of his best games with some lax play in possession and even risked a red card by seeming to hold his hand over his mouth when speaking to opponent Jordan Ayew.
Anthony Gordon – 4
Anonymous, barring having England’s first shot on target with 57 minutes gone with a tame effort straight at the keeper.
Will do well to keep Marcus Rashford out of the team at this rate. 4
Anthony Gordon struggled to make a positive impact Credit: PA
Harry Kane – 4
Went past the watching Sir David Beckham by making his 116th cap.
Went down after a clash of heads with Jonas Adjetey and was clattered by Thomas Partey just after the hour, but Ghana neutralised England’s captain well. Skied a golden late chance.
Harry Kane jostles for possession in the box Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Substitutes:
Nico O’Reilly for Spence (65): 7
Bukayo Saka for Anthony Gordon (65): 7
Eberechi Eze for Elliot Anderson (74): 6
Morgan Rogers for Jude Bellinghan (74): 7
Marcus Rashford for Noni Madueke (83): 6
GHANA
Asare 7; Senaya 8 (Peprah Oppong 7); Adjetey 7; Opoku 8; Mensah 8; Yirenkyi 7; Partey 7; Sibo 7; Williams 7 (Fatawu 7); Ayew 7 (Adu 7); Semenyo 6.
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