Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Ghana in their second World Cup game, and Harry Kane knows exactly why he was unable to assert himself on the match.After the victory over Croatia last week, many had expected the Three Lions to deliver much of the same against Ghana, and for Harry Kane to add to his goal tally.However, a compact and resilient defensive display from Ghana was enough to stifle England, with Kane registering just three touches in the opposition box throughout the game.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kHarry Kane knows why he found it so difficult against GhanaIt was a clear tactical decision from Ghana and their manager, Carlos Queiroz, to get men behind the ball and limit England's attack.Kane could have changed the outcome of the game, though, but was unable to convert a late chance in the box after a Nico O'Reilly header hit the bar. You may like England left shaking their heads as Ghana's yellow wall proves too resolute for Thomas Tuchel's men England's failed preparation for Ghana explained by Anthony Barry: 'They defend deeper than we expected' England vs Ghana prediction: Can Harry Kane fire Three Lions to another win? Speaking to the press after the game, Kane was asked about that spurned opportunity, and the England captain didn't seem too downbeat about the situation.He said: "You go through games like that. I was just waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way. It was the kind of game as a striker where you're just waiting for the ball to bounce, and it did.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."I just couldn't quite get over the ball, but I'd back myself to score that more often than not. It is what it is. I've been a striker long enough to know they don't always go in, so I have to accept it."Given Kane's past goalscoring exploits at previous World Cups, and his form for Bayern Munich this season, the idea of him missing from inside the box is unthinkable.A golden opportunity goes begging for England against Ghana pic.twitter.com/QmFwcXOLaJJune 23, 2026Overall, it would be fair to say England vs Ghana was one of the more lacklustre games at the World Cup 2026 so far. But, for Ghana, things went according to plan. What to read next England vs Ghana player ratings: Who stood out? Wayne Rooney demands one thing from Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham to help England break Ghana down Are England through to the next round of the World Cup? Kane was under no illusions as to why he wasn't able to make a difference in the game, highlighting Ghana's tight marking and defensive shape as the key reasons the match was so devoid of clear-cut chances."I was almost man-marked by [Thomas] Partey for a lot of the game. I didn't really have the space to drop deep and then arrive late in the box, and they also defended the box well," Kane added. "We had plenty of crosses, but we just couldn't quite get the first contact. The balls through the middle were tough to play because it was so compact in there."Kane did see glimpses of hope in the performance, though, and remained positive about the point gained by the Three Lions."It was a game where I felt we got better as we went along, and once we started getting the wingers one-on-one, it looked dangerous," he continued. "You're playing in the World Cup against a decent side who are compact and can make it difficult, and that's what we came up against today."TOPICSEnglandWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Jakob BarnesFreelance WriterJakob has over 11 years of experience in journalism across sports, entertainment, tech, and politics. Now a freelance news writer for FourFourTwo, he covers the biggest stories from the world of football.
