England, Ghana Edge Closer To Last 32 After Goalless Draw

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England and Ghana both edged closer to a place in the last 32 of the World Cup after a 0-0 draw in Foxborough on Tuesday.

Thomas Tuchel’s side top Group L with four points, above Ghana on goal difference, going into their final game against Panama, where a win would likely secure first place and a last-32 tie in Atlanta on July 1.

England had launched their campaign last week with a stylish 4-2 win over Croatia, with their relentless attacking play sweeping aside the 2018 World Cup finalists.

But against a Ghana team defending in depth, England were unable to find the invention needed to break through, creating hardly any chances that seriously troubled the Black Stars.

England were also fortunate to escape what looked like a strong penalty claim from Ghana in the 79th minute when Ezri Konsa bundled over substitute Prince Adu in the box.

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A toothless England performance was summed up in the final minutes, when England captain Harry Kane blasted over the bar from point blank range with the goal gaping.

The result leaves England and Ghana level on four points with Croatia and Panama due to play later on Tuesday.

Croatia captain Luka Modric is set to play his 200th Croatia game, with only three men’s players having featured more times on the international stage.

Off the field on Tuesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 and present the trophy to the winners.

“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” Infantino told Fox and Friends.

France, one of the favourites for the title, said Tuesday that coach Didier Deschamps had left the team’s camp to return home following the death of his mother.

Deschamps’ departure means assistant Guy Stephan will take charge of the squad for Friday’s final group game against Norway, when Les Bleus need only a draw to clinch first place.

AFP