Carlos Queiroz’s tactical discipline helped Ghana earn a vital goalless draw against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and move within touching distance of the round of 32.

The Black Stars were under pressure for long periods at Boston Stadium, but they defended with organisation, bravery and concentration to deny one of the tournament favourites.

England dominated possession, produced 19 shots and forced Ghana to spend much of the match inside their own half, but Queiroz’s side refused to lose their shape.

The result leaves Ghana on four points from two matches in Group L, level with England and ahead of their final group match against Croatia.

A point against Croatia on 27 June will be enough to take Ghana into the knockout stage.

For Queiroz, who took charge of Ghana only a few months before the World Cup, this was a statement result.

It showed that the Black Stars are quickly absorbing his ideas and can compete against elite opposition through structure, sacrifice and tactical maturity.

Ghana’s compact shape

Queiroz set Ghana up to frustrate England, and his plan worked.

The Black Stars defended in a compact shape, denying England space in central areas and forcing Thomas Tuchel’s team to move the ball from side to side without much penetration.

England had plenty of possession in the first half but created very little.

Ghana’s midfield worked tirelessly, while the defensive line remained disciplined and refused to be dragged out of position.

Queiroz’s team were happy to let England have the ball in safe areas, but they closed down quickly whenever the ball entered dangerous zones.

It was a performance built on patience.

Benjamin Asare was one of Ghana’s key performers, making important saves in the second half when England finally began to threaten.

Anthony Gordon fired straight into the goalkeeper’s body, before Harry Kane saw a low effort kept out.

Asare’s calmness gave confidence to the players in front of him.

Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah stood up to England’s pressure, blocking crosses, winning duels and clearing danger when the match became stretched.

Ghana also showed huge mental strength late in the game.

A point that feels bigger for Ghana

For England, the draw was frustrating because they expected to build on their opening 4-2 win over Croatia.

For Ghana, it was another step towards qualification after their opening victory over Panama.

The Black Stars have now kept clean sheets in both of their matches and remain unbeaten.

Croatia now Ghana’s biggest test

Ghana will enter their final group match with their destiny in their own hands.

A draw against Croatia will secure qualification, while a win could strengthen their position further.

But Queiroz will also know that Croatia will pose a different challenge from England.

Ghana may need more control on the ball and more precision in attack.

Still, the performance against England gives the Black Stars belief.

Now the Black Stars are one result away from turning that structure into World Cup progress.

England was lucky not to concede late penalty -Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney felt England had luck on their side when Ezri Konsa avoided giving away a late penalty in their drab draw against Ghana on Tuesday evening.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side controlled the clash in Boston, but despite having 78.8 per cent of possession, they struggled to break down their resolute opponents and managed just three shots on target.

Nico O’Reilly hit the bar before Harry Kane blazed over a golden chance, yet it could’ve been much worse for the Three Lions as Ghana caused problems on the break.

That threat came to a head late on when Eberechi Eze was robbed of the ball by Leicester City‘s Abdul Fatawu.

The Ghanaian winger broke away and fed in Prince Adu with an incisive pass that saw him bearing down on goal.

However, Adu took a poor touch, which gave Konsa a chance to intervene yet the Aston Villa man clattered into his body with both of his feet in the air.

Konsa didn’t make any contact with the ball and Adu was sent sprawling to the floor, yet referee Said Martinez didn’t penalise England and neither did VAR, despite many feeling that Tuchel’s side had got away with one.

This included Wayne Rooney, who expressed his surprise that the officials did not get involved.

‘I think that’s a penalty,’ Rooney said on the BBC’s coverage of the game. ‘Konsa takes a huge risk.

‘His feet are off the floor when he comes flying in and he gets the man, not the ball.’

Host Gabby Logan then brought in the BBC’s refereeing expert Darren Cann, who was a linesman in the 2010 World Cup final.

Cann shared Rooney’s outlook as he said: ‘Konsa makes no contact at all with the ball. He brings down his opponent.

‘He’s airborne, he’s out of control, he makes contact with the attacker and no contact with the ball. For me, this is a penalty kick.’

Cann added that he was relieved from his position as an England fan that it wasn’t given as a penalty, but highlighted how officials have tended to stick with the on-field decision throughout this tournament.

He added: ‘We’ve had seven penalties in this World Cup so far. I’m very glad that wasn’t an eighth.’

After being knocked to the floor, Adu did manage to scoop a shot at goal, but his effort hit Antoine Semenyo, who was in an offside position.

Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz said: ‘I think VAR went for a coffee. I am sarcastic because if I am not I get into trouble.’

The draw left Ghana and England both on four points after two matches ahead of Panama’s clash with Croatia on Wednesday morning.

Credit: ghanasoccernet & dailymail.com

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Source: Thechronicle.com.gh