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World Cup 2026: They played a good game – England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford hails Ghana’s game plan
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has praised Ghana’s tactical organisation after both sides played out a goalless draw in Group L action at the Boston Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Black Stars produced a compact and disciplined defensive display that frustrated England throughout the encounter, despite long periods of pressure from Thomas Tuchel’s side.
England dominated possession and dictated the tempo for much of the match, but struggled to convert control into clear-cut chances against a well-drilled Ghana backline.
The result saw the Three Lions register 79 per cent possession — the highest recorded by a team failing to score in a World Cup match in over 60 years.
After the final whistle, Pickford acknowledged the resistance offered by the four-time African champions, highlighting their organisation and resilience.
“They played a good game, but we have got to be happy. We’re still top of the group, now focus on Panama and top the group. Ghana have players like Semenyo, so you have to be ready to be called upon, and that’s what I felt I did,” the Everton goalkeeper told the BBC.
“We would’ve loved to win the game, but we have not lost. It’s tournament football, and still in our hands to top the group. You play different teams every game, and we just needed that goal; it’s as simple as that. We limited them to so few chances.
“We never managed to get that goal, but that’s football,” Pickford added.
The draw leaves both sides level on four points at the top of Group L heading into the final round of fixtures. England now prepare to face Panama, while Ghana face a decisive clash against Croatia, with qualification to the knockout stage finely poised.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
