World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel’s England must not panic after Ghana draw

“For Thomas Tuchel, I now expect changes on Saturday night against Panama,” former England captain Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.

“England probed, but there are little details throughout that game that Tuchel will look at with the team and try on improve on.

“When a team is sitting in a low block, you have to cross the ball. It is very difficult to defend against. I don’t think we crossed the ball enough in 90 minutes.”

England captain Harry Kane was so well marshalled that he only had two touches in the Ghana penalty area in the first half, although he blazed a late chance over the top.

The Three Lions’ midfield also looked one dimensional, raising questions about what impact a creator such as Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White might have made, or someone with Adam Wharton’s intelligent range of passing.

Two absent playmakers – Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Phil Foden of Manchester City – might also have helped break down an obdurate Ghana side, but their club form was not good enough, and it is easy to be wise after the event.

Tuchel, however, is insistent Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will build the midfield platform – but there is no doubt England lacked ideas and variety for long periods.

Rice told BBC Sport: “They were very compact, 5-4-1 off the ball and tight spaces to play through, but on the other hand we can do more with the ball.

“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. 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.”