First time in 60 years ! England set unwanted record in 0-0 draw with Ghana

England were left "frustrated" after playing out a goalless draw against Ghana despite controlling the majority of the possession and creating multiple chances in their World Cup clash at the Boston Stadium on Wednesday (June 24). Having started the tournament with a stellar 4-2 win against Croatia, the Three Lions failed to produce a similar display as they were held by the African nation 0-0. Although England and Ghana are all but assured of knockout spots, they still have work left to do.

England, despite having 79% possession in the match and taking 19 shots – four on target – couldn’t find the back of the net. This is now the most possession a team has had in a World Cup match and failed to score in 60 years. The previous record was set by Turkey, who failed to score in a 0-1 defeat to Paraguay at this World Cup despite having 78.5% possession.

England have maintained their unbeaten record against African nations at the World Cup with no loss in their nine meetings but this draw has certainly left them frustrated. “Frustrated a little bit with the way that they defended, the way that they set up,” England midfielder Jude Bellingham said. And they got out of the game what they played for. "Even with all the corners, all the possession, all the shots from distance on goal, couldn't quite break them down."

The Three Lions came close to opening the scoring in the 86th minute when a header from Nico O’Reilly hit the crossbar. Harry Kane got onto the rebound but couldn’t get enough on it with his left foot and sent the ball high.

Ghana had a chance to take the lead too when Prince Adu ran at the box but was tackled from behind by Ezri Konsa. Adu wanted a penalty but was turned down. The same was vocal by coach Carlos Queiroz. “I don’t know if VAR is still operational in the World Cup. Is VAR still here? Is it working?"I have some doubts about that because there was another penalty they need give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England [was missed]," he said after the match.

We had our chances to the point that they're lucky. They have a lot of luck,” Queiroz added. VAR went for coffee again. It's natural, I would like to also take my coffees once in a while, but it was a clear penalty, red card. You have any doubts about it? Any doubts about that from you guys who saw the game or is it only me who was in the game?

Croatia then eliminated Panama at the World Cup and all three are all but certain to make it to the knockouts unless one of them slip beyond expectation to not be in the fray for one of eight-best third-placed teams at the end of the group stage.