England was forced to settle.

The fourth-ranked World Cup side was unable to break through against the stout defense of No. 64 Ghana, ending their second Group L match with a goalless tie.

“Our plan was to block and frustrate them from the first minute,” Ghana coach CarlosQueiroz said. “We did it.”

Bukayo Saka of England reacts as Harry Kane #9 of England misses a chance during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match against Ghana. Getty Images

Not that it was easy.

England made a valiant push in the final minutes of regulation, with Nico O’Reilly’s header going off the crossbar in the 87th minute, with Harry Kane sending his rebound attempt over the goal.

Marc Guehi’s header attempt off a corner three minutes into extra time beat goalie Benjamin Asare, but Kojo Peprah Oppong made a stunning clear off the line to keep a clean sheet.

“Frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up,” England midfielder Jude Bellingham said. “They got exactly out of the game what they played for. Couldn’t quite break them down, even with all corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance.”

oni Madueke #20 of England and Thomas Partey #5 of Ghana during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match. Getty Images Benjamin Asare goalkeeper of Ghana celebrates the 0-0 draw against England. WILLIAM VOLCOV/Shutterstock

Coming off a 4-2 win to Croatia in its opener, England missed out on a pair of points, but still sits atop Group L with four points. It will need to not lose to Panama in the group round finisher to assure its place in the Round of 32.

Ghana, meanwhile, currently in the No. 2 spot in Group L, could find itself headed to the knockout round by the end of its June 27 matchup against Croatia, which, like Panama, was not able to secure a point in its opener.

“I think we did our best to get the best possible result that we were hoping for,” Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo said. “It’s just the plan of the coach and we did follow the coach.”