If England are to win this World Cup, they will need a better spectacle than this.
After a thrilling display of attack against Croatia in Dallas, Boston was forced to endure a reality check and frustrating development for Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions.
It was a reality check for England, who were too slow in possession and lacked a sense of urgency, struggling to create champions and at times getting open a little too easily.
After Nico O’Reilly’s header bounced off the bar, Harry Kane had the best chance in the final moments of the game, firing high over the crossbar from eight yards out. Tuchel cut a frustrated figure on the touchline throughout, with Anthony Gordon and Jed Spence exchanging words at the receiving end in the second half.
On a night best remembered for Jed Spence not shaking hands with Thomas Partey, Tuchel’s side did not have a shot on target until the 57th minute but need to beat Panama in New Jersey to advance through their group and secure a favorable draw in the Round of 32.
Here are the Boston player ratings…
England player ratings
jordan pickford 6
Most were spectators as Ghana gave little indication of what was to come. It was fortunate that Adu missed the break.
Reece James 6
Did a good enough job limiting Antoine Semenyo and limiting his chances.
Ezri Konsa 7
He defended his team well at the back and is now clearly Tuchel’s number one centre-half.
Marc Gehi 7
He came on for John Stones and was solid enough, but they probably made more mistakes in the build-up play.
Marc Gehi returns to England and starts (Image: 2024 Soccrates Images BV)
Jed Spence 7
He stopped Senaya with a great covering block and did well overall. Lightning pace.
Elliot Anderson 7
He was one of England’s better players because he was better at using the ball and keeping it than any other player.
Declan Rice 6
I made a reservation. It seemed bright at first, but I ran out of space. Subordinate to his standards.
Noni Maduke 6
Got some good cross positions but squandered them with poor deliveries. I get irritated.
jude bellingham 7
I put every ounce of energy I had into it, backtracking, and almost trying to do too much.
Anthony Gordon had a tough night (Image: AFP or licensor)
anthony gordon 5
Very poor. They can hardly move forward, are loose defensively and will do well to maintain their position.
harry kane 5
I just couldn’t get into the game and fell too deep. It was very disappointing.
Substitutes: O’Reilly (Spence, 66′), Saka (Gordon, 66′), Eze (Anderson, 72′), Rodgers (Bellingham, 72′)
Substitutes not used: Byrne, Chalobah, J. Henderson, D. Henderson, Maynu, Quansah, Rashford, Stones, Toney, Trafford, Watkins.
Ghana (4-3-3): Asare 7; Senaya 7, Ajeti 6, Opoku 7, Mensah 6. Irenki 7, Party 6, Shibo 6. Williams 6 (Fatau, 67, 6), Ayew 6 (Adu, 67, 6), Semenyo 6.
Substitutes not used: Adu, Annan, Baba, Boakye, Bonsu Bah, Lucassen, Mumin, Nuama, Owusu, Peprah Oppong.
Referee: Said Martinez
Man of the Match: Marc Gehi – didn’t miss a beat.
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