England player ratings vs Ghana as two players given 4/10
England were held to a goalless draw against Ghana in their second match of the 2026 World Cup, with the African nation frustrating them throughout in a game they were strong favourites for.
The Three Lions failed to truly test the African nation in the game with their best chance coming late as Nico Reilly hit the bar from close range with a header before Harry Kane blasted the rebound over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box.
A consolation for England is that they are still top of the group after this draw, but they have not guaranteed there place in the next round of the competition yet.
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Jordan Pickford – 5
The England keeper was untested throughout the match as he did not face a single shot on target from the opposition, but got lucky with one incident as he collided with a Ghana attacker and was given a freekick that could have gone either way.
Djed Spence - 5
The fullback added little to the England attack down the lefthand side of the pitch in the first half but started to come into the game slightly after the break before being replaced around the hour mark.
Marc Guehi - 5
Never seriously tested by the Ghanian attack throughout the match but defensive work when required before trying to initiate the attacks.
Ezri Konsa - 5
Similar to his defensive partner, had very little to trouble him but showed in one defensive action to get back and deny Ghana with a last-ditch tackle, albeit it was blown up for offside.
Reece James - 5
A steady performance from the Chelsea captain as he was not tested defensively but he offered little in the way of attack for England.
Declan Rice - 6
A disciplined performance and was important in the final few minutes of the match to ensure Ghana did not catch England on the break; however, added little in attack.
Elliot Anderson - 6
At the heart of the England performance as he attempted to force the issue. The Nottingham Forest midfielder was everywhere across the pitch as he did his defensive work, when required, while trying to find his attacking options when the occasion required.
Anthony Gordon - 5
Non-existent at times throughout the first half but grew into the game in the second as he got on the ball more, causing trouble as he drove inside on several occasions before being withdrawn around the hour mark.
Jude Bellingham - 4
As he became the youngest England international to earn his 50th cap he was incredibly frustrated by the Ghana defence, as he crowded out by the low block with no space to run in behind; however, he proved important at times in tracking back and winning the ball.
Noni Madueke - 5
Looked to be a real threat at times for the Ghanaian defence, especially when he went direct against his marker but did not do this on enough occasions to create the chances for England to score.
Harry Kane – 4
Similarly to Bellingham, the England captain struggled due to the Ghanian tactics meaning there was no space for him to operate between the lines to create a chance or work the space for a meaningful effort at goal. The one chance he did get he skied it over from six yards when it appeared easier to score.
Bakary Saka (For Gordon) – 6
A bright spark when he came on after the hour mark for England as he caused some problems for the Ghanaian defence, forcing a good save from the keeper.
Nico Reilly (For Spence) – 6
Came closest for Thomas Tuchel’s side as he hit the bar in the final few minutes of the match, and added some quality down the lefthand side.
Morgan Rogers (For Bellingham) – 4
Struggled to get into proceedings after being brought on, as he failed to create anything of note and could not find any space due to Ghana’s tactics.
Eberechi Eze (For Anderson) – 4
Non-existent upon his introduction to the game, failing to create the chance for England to secure the win.
Marcus Rashford (For Madueke) – 4
Offered little in the time that he was on the pitch.
Topics: England, FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup, Football News
Brendan McGilligan