Thomas Tuchel has talked about creating history this summer but this drab goalless draw felt more like a worrying tournament retread for anaemic England.
First game good, second game soporific. It is a trend that has followed England through the last two Euros and the previous World Cup in Qatar but rarely has the contrast been as stark as it was in the mizzling Massachusetts rain. After the rock and roll football of Dallas, this was more prog rock album filler from Tuchel and co.
In their opener England had a willing dance partner in Croatia. Here they had Carlos Quieroz-marshalled Ghana, whose monochrome tactics were a stark contrast to their loud support.
That’s their prerogative, though. It’s England’s to do something about it and despite all the attacking talent on show here – and their much-vaunted “finishers” – there was to be no way through.
England are now under more pressure against Panama (Photo: Getty)
