Declan Rice has urged England supporters to remain upbeat despite their frustrating stalemate with Ghana, insisting there is no reason for panic as Thomas Tuchel’s side continue to control their own World Cup destiny.
England missed the opportunity to secure a place in the knockout stages after being held to a goalless draw in Boston, producing a far less convincing display than the one that dismantled Croatia in their opening Group L encounter.
Tuchel’s men dominated possession for long periods but struggled to break down a disciplined Ghana side that defended deep and restricted England to very few clear-cut opportunities.
Bukayo Saka came closest to breaking the deadlock after coming off the bench, forcing Benjamin Asare into a smart save, while substitute Nico O’Reilly rattled the crossbar and Marc Guehi saw a header hacked off the line.
Harry Kane also squandered a late opportunity that would usually have been converted by the England captain.
Yet Rice was keen to focus on the positives after the final whistle, reminding fans that England still have an excellent chance of topping the group when they face Panama in their final fixture.
“It is always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball as deep as they were, but you have to find solutions,” Rice told the BBC.
“In the last 10 minutes we were unlucky not to score.
Declan Rice has urged England supporters to remain upbeat despite their frustrating stalemate with Ghana, insisting there is no reason for panic as Thomas Tuchel’s side continue to control their own World Cup destiny
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Declan Rice looked dejected at full-time as England failed to beat Ghana
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“We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama so positivity all round.”
Rice admitted England could have been more inventive in possession but praised Ghana for their organisation and determination.
“They were very compact, 5-4-1 off the ball and tight spaces to play through, but on the other hand we can do more with the ball,” he said.
“You have to give credit to Ghana. It’s tough and they are good players so it was never going to be an easy game.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
“We have one more group game to top the group so we have to be positive.”
The Arsenal midfielder also pointed out that many of football’s leading nations have stumbled during the early stages of major tournaments, insisting England’s players would not allow one disappointing result to affect their confidence.
“Loads of top nations draw the first game so there is no need to be negative or downbeat,” Rice added.
“We will stay positive.”
Tuchel shared a similar outlook, believing England deserved to emerge victorious despite being unable to find a breakthrough.
“Normally, a clear goal for us,” the England boss said when discussing Kane’s missed chance.
“It’s a big chance and then another chance. It would’ve been deserved.
“We knew it would be difficult. They went even more defensive than in the first match; they defended in a 4-5-1.
Harry Kane missed a big chance in England’s World Cup match with Ghana | GETTY
“We found our intensity the longer the half went but we couldn’t get the reward.”
The German was encouraged by his side’s defensive display, however, particularly their ability to nullify Ghana’s counter-attacking threat.
“We were very good at defending the counter-attacks for most of the match,” Tuchel said. “We have to pay a huge amount of attention to that. Subs were very good.”
England remain top of Group L and know victory over Panama in four days’ time would guarantee first place and maintain the momentum built during Tuchel’s promising start in charge.
