England's reality check: No panic but concerns remain after Ghana draw

England head coach Thomas Tuchel claimed his side's thrilling opening World Cup win against Croatia would have excited "fans in pubs." The dismal follow-up against Ghana would have sobered them up instantly. The manner in which England dismantled Croatia raised expectations, but this was a brutal reality check as Ghana's resilience, physicality and organisation built an insurmountable barrier.

England still in control despite setback

England are leading Group L and set to qualify for the last 32. Declan Rice echoed the post-match mood of "no panic" in the camp when he told BBC Sport: "We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama, so positivity all round." Not quite all round given the Three Lions' lack of creativity in the face of Ghana's durability, but Tuchel's side still remain in a healthy position. If the victory against Croatia made watching England fun, this was back to the grindstone where they were forced to do the dirty work but could not break through.

Contrasting challenges expose lack of X-factor

England's first two group matches have presented contrasting challenges. Croatia pressed high, whereas Ghana defended deep and were happy to let England have the ball, as illustrated by their 78.2% share of possession. Ghana's wily coach Carlos Queiroz seemed to take great pleasure in suggesting—several times—that England had "no solutions." Tuchel admitted: "It is difficult to find a way through when someone plays a 4-5-1 and completely deep and is committed to it and they celebrated a 0-0 like a win. So you could see the different approaches, which is fair enough and credit to them. You cannot lose your head about it."

Wide men under scrutiny

In the first game against Croatia, England's runners out wide and through the centre offered a threat. With Ghana sitting back, the Three Lions needed a touch of individual magic—but could not find it. Bukayo Saka offered hope in his cameo, underscoring a dilemma for Tuchel around his wide men and the need for change. Barcelona's new buy Anthony Gordon was once again quiet. It was no surprise when he was replaced by Saka 25 minutes from time, and the Arsenal man at least forced Ghana keeper Benjamin Asare into a fine late save. The early evidence suggests it will not be long before Saka, who is managing an Achilles injury, and Marcus Rashford take England's wide positions.

"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 to 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."

Midfield creativity questioned

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."