24 June 2026
After the highs of an exciting, front foot win against Croatia in England’s opening game, the three lions put in a Southgate-esque performance in their second match against Ghana. Here are our player ratings from a drab 0-0 draw:
Jordan Pickford
Wasn’t particularly busy and had a couple of dicey moments charging out of his box, one of which could have been read as a red card on another day. Overall given the fact that this moment came to nothing, there is not much to fault or praise but he did keep a clean sheet.
5/10
Reece James
Defensively sound and showed flashes in the first of his chemistry with Noni Madueke. Their link up play on the right lost its effectiveness however as England tried to turn the screw, but to no avail.
6/10
Ezri Konsa
Lucky to not have given away a penalty and/or a red card for a last ditch challenge in the second half. After a couple of defensive wobbles across both games, Konsa needs to sharpen up if he wants to keep his spot.
5/10
Marc Guehi
Came in for John Stones and didn’t really put a foot wrong at the back. There were moments where his line-breaking passing was on display but England might have needed some more of it to cut through Ghana’s defensive shape.
6/10
Djed Spence
Similar to Reece James in terms of defensive solidity but lacking thrust going forward. With Nico O’Reilly coming on and hitting the crossbar, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last start of the tournament for Spence.
6/10
Elliot Anderson
Not necessarily the game for him against such a low block. His ability to screen in front of the back four and move possession forward with ease was lost against a defensive opposition, making him largely ineffective in the final third.
6/10
Declan Rice
An uncharacteristically sloppy performance with the ball. His set piece delivery always carries a threat but this midfield trio lack a bit of subtlety and technique to unlock a tight defence. He will still be crucial for any England success in this tournament however.
5/10
Jude Bellingham
Much like his midfield counterparts, Jude threatened to barrel his way through the Ghanaian backline but didn’t quite possess the required touch or pass to break through. The midfield group works against more expansive sides as England can run all over them, but last night showed a lack of a real technician.
6/10
Anthony Gordon
Another misfiring performance from the new Barcelona man. It never felt like he did anything with conviction, and it is the second game in a row where the majority of England attacks came down the opposite flank. He needs to sharpen up if he wants to keep his spot.
4/10
Noni Madueke
A dynamic, energetic performance with very little end product. Madueke can stretch a game but once it is found out that he can’t produce a serviceable cross or shot at the end of a run, defenders can treat him with slightly less respect. England need Saka fit and firing to be in with a real shout of making a run at this World Cup.
5/10
Harry Kane
Everyone watching would have expected the net to bulge when the ball fell to Harry Kane on the edge of the six-yard box. Kane will want to put today behind him and get back amongst the goals against Panama, but he lacked service today from his wingers overall.
6/10
Thomas Tuchel and his substitutions
No issues with the changes at the back before kick off. This is a long tournament and Tuchel needs to assess his options across multiple positions, as well as giving players rest. Rashford should probably have been introduced earlier instead of having Madueke on the left, but a frustrating overall performance that England should probably have just edged.
5.5/10
England next take on Panama on Saturday 27th June at 10PM BST.