England missed the chance to win Group L with a game to spare as they were held to a goalless draw by Ghana.
Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to create chances in the first half, and in the second, they gradually pushed for a late winner and hit the crossbar through Nico O’Reilly but could not find one and were left frustrated.
Dom Smith was at Boston Stadium in Foxborough to rate the England players’ performances…
Jordan Pickford 6
Had a nervy moment where a coming together with Prince Kwabena Adu left some England fans fearing the worst: a red card. Otherwise solid and a welcome clean-sheet.
Reece James 6
James was solid without being spectacular once more. You could imagine him being rested against Panama in the final group game.
Ezri Konsa 5
Initially assured at the back, much more so than against Croatia. Produced one good tackle but then could have conceded a penalty if Ghana hadn’t been flagged offside because he committed a foul.
Marc Guehi 6
Came into the backline in place of John Stones and adapted well. Sensible with the ball. Nearly snuck a stoppage-time winner.
Djed Spence 6
Fairly good at left-back in a game where it was a surprise he started. Battled well and didn’t duck challenges.
“He runs England,” said one reporter sat next to me. Not far off. Crucial again, and popped up with two headers from corners.
Declan Rice 7
Much better than the other day against Croatia. Far busier and had a couple of chances to score.
Noni Madueke 5
Tried to make things happen but didn’t have his shooting boots on. Moved to the left when Bukayo Saka came on.
Jude Bellingham 6
Worked diligently to regain England the ball by tracking back and tackling. Not so involved in England attacks - of which they weren’t many.
Had one tame shot which the goalkeeper held. Taken off again after failing to make a telling impact.
Harry Kane 5
A couple of pop-shots were all the England captain was afforded against defensively organised opponents - until he blazed over from close in after 86 minutes with a chance to win it.
Subs:
Nico O’Reilly (Spence, 66’) 5
Conceded a couple of fouls after replacing Spence at left-back but hit the crossbar with a decent header.
Bukayo Saka (Gordon, 66’) 6
Was positive after he came on and forced a good save.
Eberechi Eze (Bellingham, 74’) 5
Not much impact but came on late.
Morgan Rogers (Anderson, 74’) 5
Brought on as a co-No10 with Eze but neither could inspire England to victory despite a fine run forward in stoppage time.
Marcus Rashford (Madueke, N/A)
Not used: Trafford, D Henderson, Stones, Quansah, Burn, Chalobah, J Henderson, Mainoo, Toney, Watkins
