England entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Two matches into the tournament, however, there are already some warning signs.
After opening Group L with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel’s side was frustrated in a scoreless 0-0 draw against Ghana on Tuesday in Boston. England dominated possession and territory but couldn’t find the breakthrough against a disciplined Ghanaian defense.
The biggest talking point came late in the match.
Substitute Nico O’Reilly rattled the crossbar, and the rebound fell perfectly to captain Harry Kane just yards from goal. The Bayern Munich striker, who scored twice in England’s opener against Croatia, blazed the golden opportunity over the bar, leaving England to settle for a point.
It was a frustrating afternoon for a team that controlled nearly 80% of possession and finished with a significant expected-goals advantage, yet rarely looked clinical in the final third. Ghana, meanwhile, executed its game plan brilliantly, staying compact defensively and limiting England’s dangerous chances while earning a valuable draw that keeps its knockout hopes alive.
Despite the disappointing result, England remains in a strong position to win Group L. The Three Lions sit on four points after two matches alongside Ghana and will face Panama in their final group game, knowing a victory should secure first place.
Still, the performance raises legitimate questions.
Against Croatia, England’s attack looked dynamic and ruthless. Against Ghana, it looked predictable and wasteful. If England hopes to end nearly 60 years of World Cup heartbreak, finishing chances like Kane’s late miss will become increasingly important once the knockout rounds begin.
A draw isn’t a disaster.
But against stronger opposition later in the tournament, performances like this could be.
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