The image that will linger from a damp evening in Massachusetts is Harry Kane, alone and unmarked five yards from goal, volleying wildly over the crossbar. Nico O’Reilly’s 86th-minute header had cannoned back off the woodwork, the ball dropping perfectly for England’s captain and record-chasing goalscorer. Kane’s miscue, with the goal gaping, encapsulated a night of blunt frustration for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who were held to a 0-0 draw by a Ghana team that defended with discipline and ambition only in fleeting counter-attacks.

England monopolised the ball from the outset, registering 78 per cent possession in the first half and finishing with 19 attempts at goal. Yet for almost an hour they failed to produce a single shot on target, the first arriving only in the 57th minute when Anthony Gordon’s tame effort was gathered by goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Ghana, coached by Carlos Queiroz, retreated into a compact low block, often with three midfielders screening the back line. The approach suffocated Jude Bellingham, who drifted through his 50th cap without influence, and left wingers Noni Madueke and Gordon isolated against well-drilled full-backs. Declan Rice’s early free-kick and a looping header were the sum of first-half threat, while Ghana’s only flicker before the interval came when Antoine Semenyo muscled past Reece James to win a corner.

The contest was not without subplots. Thomas Partey, back in the Ghana lineup after missing the opener in Canada because of visa restrictions linked to ongoing rape charges in the United Kingdom, was booed by sections of the crowd when his name was announced. Television footage later showed England defender Djed Spence withdrawing his hand during the pre-match handshake as Partey passed. On the pitch, Ghana almost snatched an improbable lead with ten minutes remaining when substitute Prince Adu burst through, only to be crowded out by Ezri Konsa; his hurried shot struck teammate Semenyo, who was standing in an offside position. England’s late siege brought a sharp save from Asare to deny Bukayo Saka, O’Reilly’s header against the bar, and Kane’s skied rebound. In stoppage time, Marc Guéhi saw a goal-bound header cleared off the line by Kojo Peprah.

The result leaves both nations on four points atop Group L, with England ahead on goal difference. Croatia and Panama, each pointless after one match, were due to meet later on Tuesday; a Croatian victory would keep the group alive for the final round. England will face Panama at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, while Ghana meet Croatia in Philadelphia. A point for either side will guarantee progress to the round of 32, but Tuchel’s team, after the verve of their 4-2 opening win over Croatia, must now confront familiar questions about their ability to break down obdurate defences. Ghanaian media celebrated a point earned through resilience, while British analysts lamented a performance that revived memories of England’s second-game stagnation at recent tournaments.