England endured a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana at World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, but head coach Thomas Tuchel refused to hit the panic button.
The Three Lions had no answer to the African side’s low block, only registering a shot on target mid-way through the second half.
In the end, it was Ghana who almost took home all three points as Prince Adu had a penalty appeal waved away by the officials after being brought down by a reckless Ezri Konsa.
With four points to their name, England should have enough to advance to the knockouts, although top spot in Group L remains up for grabs.
Tuchel refuses to panic
“Not frustrated. I saw it coming as I knew this would be a difficult game,” Tuchel told BBC Sport.
“Ghana are physical and so committed. Full credit to them – they were difficult to break down.
“You need to be patient but at the right moments be brave. We conceded only two dangerous chances.
“At the end of the halves, we grew into it and found rhythm but, of course, fatigue crept in. I liked the attitude, but you need a bit of luck.
“We had enough shots and crosses and a big chance with Harry Kane. It is what it is.”
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Bellingham laments ‘second-game fever’
Jude Bellingham was named the player of the match, but the Real Madrid star felt he didn’t deserve the accolade given Ghana’s resolute defensive effort.
“I didn’t deserve it, to be honest. It should have gone to one of their lads who defended so well,” he admitted to BBC Sport.
“I had a couple of moments, it was hard to get into the game and I’m grateful for whoever voted but it should’ve gone to one of their lads.
“Like always, it’s second-game fever with England. Win the first one, do well and draw the second.
“It’s okay, though. They played for a draw that would’ve seen them go through and fair play to them.”
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Merson sees silver lining
Former Three Lions midfielder Paul Merson, meanwhile, remained optimistic over England’s World Cup chances despite the result, saying on Sky Sports: “It’s back to reality. You can’t score four in every game, but you’d expect to break them down in the end.
“They defended really well but we made it easier for them to do so.
“That’s something for Tuchel to look at, but you’re not winning the World Cup in the second game of the tournament.
“It’s better to have those reality checks earlier in the tournament than later on.
“You’ve got to have movement. The only thing that beats a defence is movement – a run off the ball, a winger running across the line – but credit where it’s due, Ghana defended amazingly.
“We’ve got to have more belief, but we didn’t take enough chances, and I thought this team was picked to have no fear.”
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