No need to panic for England - but this was a reality check

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. No need to panic for England - but this was a reality check Figure caption, England held to goalless draw against GhanaByPhil McNulty Chief football writer at Boston StadiumPublished51 minutes agoHead coach Thomas Tuchel claimed England's thrilling opening World Cup win against Croatia would have excited "fans in pubs". The dismal follow-up against Ghana would have sobered them up instantly. The manner in which England dismantled Croatia raised expectation and excitement levels, but this was a brutal reality check as Ghana's resilience, physicality and organisation built an insurmountable barrier.

England are leading Group L and set to qualify for the last 32 - and Declan Rice echoed the post-match mood of "no panic" in the camp when he told Sport: "We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama, so positivity all round. "Not quite all round given the Three Lions' lack of creativity in the face of Ghana's durability - but Tuchel's side still remain in a healthy position. If the victory against Croatia made watching England fun, this was back to the grindstone where they were forced to do the dirty work, but could not break through.

The Details

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Croatia pressed high, whereas Ghana defended deep and were happy to let England have the ball, as illustrated by their 78. 2% share of possession. Ghana's wily coach Carlos Queiroz seemed to take great pleasure in suggesting - several times - that England had "no solutions".

Tuchel admitted: "It is difficult to find a way through when someone plays a 4-5-1 and completely deep and is committed to it and they celebrated a 0-0 like a win. "So you could see the different approaches, which is fair enough and credit to them. You cannot lose your head about it.

What Experts Say

"In the first game against Croatia, England's runners out wide and through the centre offered a threat. With Ghana sitting back, the Three Lions needed a touch of individual magic - but could not find it. Bukayo Saka offered hope in his cameo, underscoring a dilemma for Tuchel around his wide men and the need for change.

Barcelona's new buy Anthony Gordon was once again quiet. It was no surprise when he was replaced by Saka 25 minutes from time, and the Arsenal man at least forced Ghana keeper Benjamin Asare into a fine late save. The early evidence suggests it will not be long before Saka, who is managing an Achilles injury, and Marcus Rashford take England's the wide positions.

Figure caption, Rice remains positive after England draw with Ghana"For Thomas Tuchel, I now expect changes on Saturday night against Panama," former England captain Wayne Rooney told Sport. "England probed, but there are little details throughout that game that Tuchel will look at with the team and try on improve on.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.