2026 World Cup: You have to give credit to Ghana, says England midfielder Declan Rice after stalemate
England midfielder Declan Rice has applauded Ghana’s tactical discipline after both sides played out a goalless draw on Tuesday evening at the Boston Stadium.
Ghana produced a compact and well-organised defensive display that repeatedly blunted England’s attacking efforts, despite the Three Lions enjoying long spells of territorial dominance.
"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," Rice told the BBC.
"We have one more group game to top the group, so we have to be positive.
"Loads of top nations draw the first game, so there is no need to be negative or downbeat. We will stay positive," the Arsenal midfielder added.
England controlled 79 per cent of possession — the highest recorded by a team that failed to score in a World Cup match in over 60 years — but were ultimately unable to break down Ghana’s disciplined backline.