England given reality check by stubborn Ghana to leave group in the balance
England's football team drew against Ghana in their second World Cup group match, failing to build on their previous victory. The performance was described as stagnant, leaving the team's progression status uncertain.
Why it matters
High-profile international sports results impact national morale and tournament betting markets.
Harry Kane spurned a late chance to break the deadlock for England. Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Harry Kane spurned a late chance to break the deadlock for England. Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images World Cup 2026 England given reality check by stubborn Ghana to leave group in the balance David Hytner at Boston Stadium Tue 23 Jun 2026 18.15 EDT Last modified on Tue 23 Jun 2026 23.15 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google It was a talking point beforehand in the England dressing room, Harry Kane bringing it up; a message with it, too. At each of the previous three tournaments, the team had spluttered in game two. The roll call of irritation took in the draws against Scotland and Denmark at the European Championship – either side of the draw against the United States at the last World Cup . Must do better this time, was the gist of what Kane said.
The report is a standard sports match recap focusing on performance and tactical analysis.
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