England held by Ghana as Harry Kane misses late chance

Thomas Tuchel’s stilted side stumbled to a 0-0 draw with well-drilled Ghana as England edged closer to the World Cup knockout phase in forgettable fashion.

Six days on from the thrilling 4-2 victory against Croatia in Texas, things fell flat in Foxborough as the back-to-back European Championship runners-up failed to break down the Black Stars.

England were a far cry from the swashbuckling side that thrilled in their Group L opener, with Tuchel’s team unable to find a way through Carlos Queiroz’s organised outfit as Harry Kane missed their best chance late on.

Neither side so much as mustered a shot on target in a first half that began with widespread boos for Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is scheduled to stand trial next year on seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault that he denies.

Not even England’s set-piece prowess and strength on the bench could swing a late goal, although substitute Nico O’Reilly saw a header rattle the crossbar and Kane uncharacteristically skied the rebound as they pushed for a winner.

Ghana felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty for an Ezri Konsa challenge but both sides look all but assured of a place in the round of 32 after this stalemate as Tuchel’s men turn their attention to Saturday’s group finale against Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

England started on the front foot but Queiroz’s obdurate outfit were not leaving many gaps, with a Reece James cutback dealt with before Declan Rice lasered narrowly over from distance.

Ghana sat deep, dealing with crosses and pressure before a clash of heads between Jordan Ayew and James led to a lengthy break.

Fans expressed anger at the hydration break that soon followed, appeasing advertisers rather than helping players