Thomas Tuchel’s stunning determination as England flop in bore World Cup draw v Ghana
England have been held by Ghana in Boston as Thomas Tuchel’s shocking decision saw the Three Lions get their tactics wrong in the clash
Thomas Tuchel’s side drew 0-0 with Ghana(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
England have come crashing back down to earth, after their lighting-fast start against Croatia, with a bore 0-0 draw against a resolute Ghana.
Thomas Tuchel made two changes to the side that blew away the 2018 World Cup finalists – but the Three Lions struggled against the African side that were refusing to come out and play. Tuchel scrambled for more creativity, but it was too little too late.
England remain top of Group L, thanks to their superior goal difference, but they also remain level on points with Ghana ahead of their final group stage match against Panama.
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After a roaring start against Croatia last Wednesday, the Three Lions were rather tame against Ghana in Boston. Tuesday evening presented a different type of challenge against the rather pragmatic Carlos Queiroz.
Queiroz set up his team in low block with clear instructions to try and soak up the England pressure and hit Tuchel’s side on the counter using Antoine Semenyo’s pace.
However, the first-half boiled down to England lacking the creativity and the speed on the ball to break down the resolute Ghanaian backline – but Ghana looked rather unthreatening on the break.
Tuchel was furious on the touchline, demanding more pace from his team – Djed Spence was given the nod over Nico O’Reilly in one of two changes from the opening game, but lacked the creative output of the Manchester City youngster.
And at the same time as that substitution, Bukayo Saka was introduced for Anthony Gordon, allowing Noni Madueke to move across to the left wing and Saka on the right.
Having a left footer out left and a right footer out right allowed England to be more direct and attack the byline. While Morgan Rogers was also introduced to add some much needed creativity.
England were finally properly testing Benjamin Asare, forcing a great save down low after Bukayo Saka’s strike before O’Reilly crashed a head against the bar and Kane smashed the ball into the crowd.
The Three Lions were pushing for a winner – but it was all too scrappy.
England’s performance lacked the class it had oozed against Croatia, it all too frantic; every chance was snatched, every attack was missing the correct pass, and each player simply too slow.
It’s a sense of Deja Vu for the Three Lions – it’s the fourth major tournament on the bounce where England have drawn their second group match.
While it’s also shades of Qatar, where England blew Iran away in their opening only to be frustrated by the USA.
It’s was a difficult night for Tuchel, but England have all but qualified for the knockouts and can still top the group against Panama on Saturday.
