With optimism growing among England supporters after the team's thrilling win over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel and Co. were given a reality check on Tuesday as they were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in Boston.
In a match of few opportunities, Harry Kane missed England's best chance when he skied a late close-range volley with the goal gaping.
- England 0-0 Ghana: Kane misses late chance as Tuchel's side left frustrated
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England were often criticised for being too cautious under former head coach Gareth Southgate, but last Wednesday's World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas, Texas, was anything but.
A first-half brace from Kane was cancelled out by Croatia before the halftime, before goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured the three points for Tuchel's side.
The opening minutes of the second half were as dominant a spell produced by a team at the World Cup so far and underlined England's World Cup credentials. And the fact Kane got off the mark in the first game perhaps bodes well for the rest of the tournament.
Ghana, meanwhile, also tasted victory in their first game, with Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute goal clinching all three points against Panama.
Carlos Queiroz's team did not win any plaudits for their display, but with the likes of Antoine Semenyo among their number, Ghana were awkward opponents for an England team looking to keep up their tournament momentum.