Harry Kane blazed over from eight yards in the closing stages as England were held to a goalless draw against Ghana in Boston — a result that leaves Thomas Tuchel's side needing to beat Panama to secure top spot in Group L.
The England captain's miss came after substitute Nico O'Reilly's header had hit the bar and bounced out, handing Kane a golden chance he could not take. It was a rare quiet game for the record goalscorer, who stayed high but found space limited by Ghana's deep-lying defence.
“England draw 0-0 with Ghana as Kane misses late sitter; Tuchel's side must beat Panama to top group”
Tuchel cut a frustrated figure on the touchline throughout, with Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence on the receiving end of second-half verbals. The night will also be remembered for Spence not shaking hands with Ghana's Thomas Partey before kick-off.
England did not muster a shot on target until the 57th minute, a startling stat given the attacking feast they served up against Croatia in Dallas. Ghana sat deep and frustrated the Three Lions, who were too slow in possession and lacked urgency, according to the Mirror.
Marc Guehi impressed on his return to the starting XI, showing his usual calmness and playing one particularly good pass through the lines to start an attack that ended with a Kane shot. BBC Sport's Alex Howell rated Guehi 6, while the Mirror named him man of the match, saying he "did not put a foot wrong."
Elliot Anderson broke up play well and kept it simple, though the Standard noted he "shone on a grim day" — a view at odds with the BBC, who gave him 5 and said he did not have the influence he has shown previously. Jordan Pickford did not have a save to make and barely had the ball at his feet.
Ghana's goalkeeper Asare was busier, but England's attackers struggled to break through. Anthony Gordon was tightly marked by Marvin Senaya and could not make an impact, earning a 5 from both the BBC and the Mirror. Noni Madueke stayed high and wide and was England's regular out-ball, but his crossing was poor, according to the Mirror.
Reece James linked well with Madueke and put in one good cross that no attacker could reach. Djed Spence, making his first start of the tournament, made an important block in the second half but was also involved in a good passage of play that ended with a Gordon shot.
England now must beat Panama in New Jersey to win the group and ensure a favourable draw in the round of 32. Tuchel's side know they will need to be a damn sight better than this if they are to go all the way.