England remain third favourites to win the World Cup despite the goalless snooze-fest against Ghana. The Three Lions followed up their thrilling opening 4-2 victory over Croatia by limping to a 0-0 bore draw against the tough tackling West Africans.
Thomas Tuchel ’s team will still top Group L if they beat Panama in their final match on Saturday. And bookmakers – who dodged a massive payout thanks to the stalemate – still make them 11-2 third favourites to end 60 years of hurt by lifting the trophy.
Only France and Spain have a better chance, bookies believe. The Lions had been odds-on 2-9 favourites to beat Ghana in Boston with captain Harry Kane well-backed to score.
David Stevens, of Coral, said: “After the thrilling 4-2 opening win against Croatia patriotic punters expected more of the same against Ghana. But Harry Kane and Co were unable to find the net in Boston, much to our relief.
“Despite the draw England remain 11-2 third favourites with Coral to win the World Cup, with France 7-2 and Spain 5-1. We still expect Thomas Tuchel’s side to progress deep into the competition.”
Kane is fourth favourite to finish top scorer behind favouritre Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. The point means England have qualified for the knockout stage but must beat Panama on Saturday to ensure they finish the group as winners.
In the other fixture in Group L, Panama suffered a narrow defeat to Croatia and were eliminated from the World Cup as Luka Modric reached his 200th international appearance during the encounter.
The scoreless affair witnessed Jude Bellingham and former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz engage in a heated exchange at the interval after the Real Madrid star appeared to confront one of the Ghana players. Both sets of players rushed in as the spat was separated at the break.
Following the match, Bellingham appeared dejected when presented with his Superior Player of the Match award, insisting he was undeserving of the honour. He felt one of Ghana’s players merited the recognition instead.