World Cup 2026: Benjamin Asare stars as Ghana hold England to goalless draw

Ghana and England settled for a pulsating 0-0 draw at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday evening, leaving the top spot of World Cup Group L fairly balanced, as both countries are on four points after two games.

Carlos Queiroz made four changes to the team that secured the all-important 1-0 win over Panama, handing starts to Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Benjamin Asare, and Kwasi Sibo in a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare replaced the injured Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal, with the back four of Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, and Gideon Mensah remaining unchanged.

The Three Lions dominated possession early on, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield. However, Ghana’s midfield trio of Partey, Sibo, and Caleb Yirenkyi remained resolute and focused, keeping the Three Lions at bay. England captain Harry Kane had the best chance of the first half in the 34th minute from close range, but his effort was met with a superb save by Asare.

Ghana had its own opportunity on the hour mark after Inaki Williams broke behind John Stones and forced a sharp save from Jordan Pickford, with Antoine Semenyo firing the rebound over.

Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford called Asare into action from distance, while Jordan Ayew and Semenyo looked to hit England on the break. Neither side could find a breakthrough in front of 65,878 spectators at Gillette Stadium.

England was lucky not to have conceded a penalty late in the game when Ezri Konsa challenged Prince Kwabena Adu in the area, bringing him down without making any contact with the ball.

The result means England and Ghana each sit on four points in Group L. Ghana faces Croatia in its final group game on June 28.