Following England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in the second group stage match of the World Cup, the result was widely described in the media as ‘lacklustre’, ‘a reality check’ and ‘same old England’.
These labels are not only unnecessary and over the top from an England perspective, but unfair on Ghana who performed superbly on the night. The pessimistic attitude mentioned following the 4-2 win over Croatia doesn’t refer to just fans, but the media too.
After missing out on the opportunity to guarantee progression to the knockout stages, the last thing England players need is the nation’s voices filling fans’ heads with more negativity. While it’s inevitably part of the game, no one quite throws themselves at the negativity like the English. The difference across the globe when ‘better’ nations have been held to goalless draws by underdogs is stark.
How other national outlets reacted previously
Spain weren’t ‘lacklustre’ when they were held to a goalless draw against Cape Verde. The Blue Sharks just defended immensely, and goalkeeper Vozinha put on the display of a lifetime. Well-known Spanish outlet Marca acknowledged the missed chances but also praised Cape Verde. Instead of bashing their national team, Marca recognised that the underdog “held firm under extreme pressure”.
In Belgium, after a disappointing 0-0 draw to Iran, the media framed the result as “Iran made it difficult to score rather than Belgium making it easy to defend”. National outlet Het Laatste Nieuws’ angle focused on Belgium failing to convert dominance into goals, but crucially described Iran as “compact”, “disciplined”, and “extremely well organised”. One part of an article even said that the Red Devils were “facing a wall they couldn’t break down”
Even Turkey, who have been eliminated, were far from poor in their opening two matches. In fact, they are the most possession-dominant nations in the tournament and have enjoyed the second most touches in the opposition’s penalty area (101).
English media reaction to Ghana result
England, however, after drawing 0-0 with Ghana, who defended outstandingly, were slaughtered in the press. The Guardian focused on England’s attacking shortcomings and questioned Thomas Tuchel’s attacking players. The Telegraph were more critical, slamming team selection and substitutions.
A Daily Mirror piece followed this up by calling for five selection changes for the final group stage match against Panama, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane were singled out by the Express.
Perhaps instead of jumping on the players’ backs when things don’t go their way, we come away from the negativity and give credit where it is due.
Ghana sat back and absorbed pressure for 90 minutes. They had a game plan to sit in a low block and pulled it off well.
A message for England fans
England fans, this message is important: do not panic. Enjoy the World Cup for what it is, a carnival of football where anything can happen.
One game does not define the rest of the tournament. You cannot lose if you learn and the Ghana game was a great opportunity to learn. The squad will learn how to better approach the low block, what worked, and what didn’t. You cannot lose if you learn.
As Jude Bellingham said on social media after the game: “No need for drama.”
The tactics – watch now on YouTube
Written by Isabelle Martin
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