England dominated possession and chances against Ghana but failed to score, raising World Cup concerns, per ESPN.
Summary
England's final World Cup warm-up match against Ghana has exposed a worrying lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, according to ESPN. Despite dominating the statistics – more possession, more shots, more passes – the Three Lions could not find the net, drawing 0-0 in a performance that has raised questions about their attacking potency ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
The Details
ESPN reports that England's display was statistically dominant. Gareth Southgate's side controlled the ball for long periods, created numerous shooting opportunities and completed more passes than their African opponents. However, the final product was missing. The goals never came, leaving the team with a goalless draw that has sparked debate about their ability to break down stubborn defences when it matters most.
The report highlights that this is not an isolated incident. In recent matches, England have struggled to convert possession into goals, a trend that could prove costly in the World Cup. With the tournament just weeks away, Southgate will be concerned that his forwards are not firing at the right time. Key attackers, including captain Harry Kane, looked isolated and frustrated, unable to find the space or service needed to score.
ESPN's analysis points to a broader issue: England's reliance on set-pieces and individual brilliance rather than cohesive attacking play. Against Ghana, they lacked creativity in the final third, often resorting to long-range efforts or crosses that were easily dealt with. The midfield, while controlling the game, failed to provide the incisive passes needed to unlock the defence.
What It Means
For England, this performance serves as a warning. The World Cup group stage will feature opponents who are likely to sit deep and defend, similar to Ghana. If England cannot find a way to score against such setups, their tournament could be short-lived. Southgate must now decide whether to tweak his tactics, change personnel, or simply hope that the goals will come when the pressure is on.
ESPN suggests that the lack of cutting edge is a major concern. While England have quality in depth, their attacking unit has not clicked in recent friendlies. The draw against Ghana may be a wake-up call, but it also provides an opportunity for Southgate to address the issues before the real action begins. The manager will be expected to find solutions quickly, with the World Cup opener fast approaching.
For more World Cup analysis and updates, visit our World Cup news page.
Source: Reported by ESPN. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.
