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.

The result keeps both sides level on four points at the top of Group L heading into the final round of fixtures.

England will next face Panama, while Ghana prepare for a crucial encounter with Croatia, with qualification to the knockout stage still finely poised.