England held by Ghana at World Cup as pair close on last-32 passage

England and Ghana share a 0-0 draw in Group L, despite a late barrage by the English.England suffered a World Cup setback as Ghana held Thomas Tuchel’s side to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving them with work still to do in their bid to progress to the knockout stage as the Group L winners.Nico O’Reilly came closest to scoring for England on Tuesday with a late header that hit the bar. After the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a performance that will raise doubts as to England’s chances of going all the way and winning the tournament.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4The weight of the Three Lions: Football, colonialism, diasporalist 2 of 4World Cup knockouts: Who has made it to the round of 32 stage?list 3 of 4‘Living the dream’: Iraqis proud of team despite World Cup loss to Francelist 4 of 4Football offers escape for Gaza, but World Cup spirit dimmedend of listThey dominated possession and had 19 shots at goal to their opponents’ two, yet they rarely looked like scoring past Ghana’s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 fans at the Gillette Stadium near Boston.Both teams have four points with one game still to play in Group L, with progression to the next round all but assured, but their final positions still in the balance.In damp, cool conditions, England delivered a stodgy performance that echoed some of their faltering displays during Euro 2024.However, there are no dramatic consequences, as England take a step closer to the last 32. All they need do now is safely negotiate their final group fixture against Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and they will be able to turn their attention to the knockout rounds.England have still never lost to an African opposition at the World Cup, and that record was rarely at risk of ending here.Ghana, nevertheless, battled brilliantly, as the nation ranked 73rd in the world – 69 places behind England – put up a determined defensive display.England’s Nico O’Reilly hits the crossbar with a header [Brian Snyder/Reuters]The late decision by the Black Stars to appoint Carlos Queiroz as coach is looking increasingly justified, with this result following their opening 1-0 win over Panama. The 2010 quarterfinalists face Croatia next in Philadelphia.