2026 FIFA World Cup — Group L, Matchday 2 | June 23 | Boston Stadium, Foxborough
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Ghana’s 0-0 draw with England was a tactical triumph built on a perfectly executed 5-4-1 low block. Otto Addo’s side defended with two compact lines of four and five, compressing the space between the defensive line and midfield to deny England’s creative players any room to operate.
The Defensive Shape
Ghana set up in a 5-4-1 out of possession, with the two banks of four and five positioned no more than 15 yards apart. The wingers — Semenyo and Williams — dropped deep to form a back six when England pushed forward. The midfield four — Irenki, Partey, Sibo, and Ayew — sat in front of the defensive line, cutting off passing lanes into the feet of Kane and Bellingham.
England’s 4-2-3-1 struggled to find solutions. Kane was isolated, receiving only 18 passes in the entire match. Bellingham was crowded out whenever he received the ball between the lines. England’s wide players — Madueke and Gordon — were forced to cross from deep positions, and Ghana’s centre-backs dealt comfortably with the aerial balls.
England’s xG Problem
England’s expected goals (xG) for the match was 1.1 — low for a team that dominated possession and territory. Their best chance came from a set-piece — O’Reilly’s header against the crossbar in the 76th minute — which accounted for 0.4 xG alone. From open play, England created almost nothing.
Group L Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 2 | Croatia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 1 |
| 3 | Ghana | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| 4 | Panama | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Match Details:
- England 0-0 Ghana
- Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
- Goals: None
- Man of the Match: Mohammed Opoku (Ghana)