England’s performance against Croatia was the most convincing debut among the theoretical group of ‘candidates’ to win the World Cup. However, Queiroz and his Ghana revived old ghosts that already seemed scared after Southgate’s resignation. The traffic jam was evident and they could not break a tie that once again raises doubts.
Everything indicated that Tuchel would repeat eleven… but he introduced two changes to the rearguard: Guéhi for Stones and, the most striking, Spence instead of O’Reilly. Madueke and Gordon repeated in a trio of playmakers completed by Bellingham. The youngest to reach 50 caps for England. Queiroz was forced to place Asare under the hammer due to Zigi’s problems and, in addition, he opted for a more conservative proposal. With Thomas available, he planted a trivote next to Yirenkyi and Sibo. Above, Iñaki Williams appeared alongside Ayew and the Londoner Semenyo.
The disposition put into the fray by the former Real Madrid coach was consistent with the approach with which Ghana came to Boston. The withdrawal was intense and planted a wall in the center of the field. The help from Iñaki and Semenyo on the wing was intense to close passing lines and ‘torpedo’ the circulation of an England forced to bear the brunt of the clash.
It didn’t take long for the ‘Three Lions’ to sink the ‘Black Stars’ block. Above all, drawing triangulations on the outside relying on the Bellingham and Rice falls. The game was played in 25 meters. Now, it was not until the first quarter of an hour or so when Tuchel’s men looked at goal for the first time after a foul far from Rice’s clouds.
Ghana strengthened its proposal as the minutes passed. He barely averaged 15% possession. However, he was by no means suffering. Thomas was omnipresent protecting the front, while both centre-backs were imperial against the desperate lateral centers of an England that went to the locker room without testing Asare.
He did not make any modifications. But, as against Croatia, Tuchel needed to hit the right note again to turn around the poor feelings transmitted throughout the first half. However, Ghana surprised by looking to take a ‘little step’ forward. Spence had to make good coverage on a Senaya who ate Gordon’s back.
The Newcastle winger responded by taking England’s first shot between the sticks… which Asare pocketed without any problems. However, along with Spence, it was the first change introduced by Thomas Tuchel who completely rebuilt the left wing. O’Reilly and Saka entered, who changed bands to Madueke. Queiroz also took advantage to get fresh legs with Fatawu and Adu.
Kane, completely out of stock, tried his luck with an innocent shot from the edge of the area after stealing a ball from Thomas just before the last hydration break. Tuchel burned ships in the restart, dismantling the midfield, removing Rice for Eze. Rogers, for his part, replaced a Jude Bellingham who was much more uncomfortable than against Croatia.
With just over 10 minutes to go with the entire team down, England got a big scare when Adu stood up to Pickford. Konsa arrived to ‘beat her up’ from behind. At least, it helped him wake up: Asare did his best to deflect a tight shot from Saka and, right after, O’Reilly ‘crashed’ a header against the crossbar… whose rebound Kane sent sky-high. Ghana ended up suffering. But he got a point that leaves the leadership of the group open for the last day.
