Gary Neville assesses England’s performance against Ghana
Ex-England star Gary Neville has claimed that the Three Lions played better in last night’s goalless draw with Ghana than in their 4-2 win against Croatia, reports BritPanorama.
The former Manchester United defender suggested that Thomas Tuchel’s side were in “control” of the game, which is a considerable improvement from their first match, despite failing to find the net.
England dominated possession, recording 78 percent of the ball and taking 19 shots, yet only three were on target, leading to a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Speaking on his Stick to Football Podcast, Neville noted he “enjoyed the game” and suggested, “I’m going to get heavily criticised for this, but there’s part of me that thinks that was a better performance than the game against Croatia.” He emphasized that a blend of both matches would yield a strong performance, highlighting the “control” exhibited by the players.
Neville praised the defensive contributions of Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, stating they effectively managed counterattacks and maintained possession well. He mentioned that set pieces were particularly promising, discussing a routine involving Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson that could have converted into a goal had the header been executed properly.
Despite the draw, Neville observed that a 0-0 result might offer a form of satisfaction for the defence, as it builds confidence after conceding two goals against Croatia. “I thought [Ezri] Konsa and [Marc] Guehi did that, to be fair,” he noted, acknowledging their improved defensive performance.
Harry Kane, however, missed a crucial opportunity late in the game after a header from Nico O’Reilly struck the crossbar, leaving him visibly frustrated as he fell to his knees, holding his head in disbelief. Neville remarked on this missed chance, stating, “You get the big chance with Harry Kane, and I couldn’t believe he missed it. He can’t miss those chances.”
As England prepares for their final match against Panama at 10pm on June 27, the team’s performance against Ghana invites further reflection on their tactical strategies and resilience under pressure. Such instances remind fans of the precarious balance between control and creativity that defines modern football. The anticipation builds as the knockout stages approach, and each kick carries the weight of both expectation and ambition.
