World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel’s England must not panic after Ghana draw

“I expect a change for Thomas Tuchel against Panama on Saturday night,” former England captain Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.

“England have investigated but there are very few details throughout the game that Tuchel will examine and try to improve with the team.

“When a team sits in a low block, you have to cross. It’s very difficult to defend against that. I don’t think we crossed enough in 90 minutes.”

England captain Harry Kane was so well-managed that he took just two touches in the Ghana penalty area in the first half, but had a late scoring chance.

The Three Lions’ midfield also looked one-dimensional, raising questions about what impact a creator like Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White or someone with the intelligent passing range of Adam Wharton could make.

Two missing playmakers – Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester City’s Phil Foden – may also have helped break down the stubborn Ghana team, but their club form was not good enough and it is easy to be wise after the fact.

However, Tuchel insists on Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson establishing the midfield platform; but there is no doubt that England has long lacked ideas and diversity.

Rice told BBC Sport: “They were very compact, 5-4-1 off the ball and there were tight areas to play in but on the other hand we could do more with the ball.

“You have to give credit to Ghana. It’s tough and they’re good players, so it’s never going to be an easy game. We have one more group game to go to the top of the group, so we have to be positive.”

“Many top countries finished the first match with a draw, so there is no need to be negative or pessimistic. We will remain positive.”