Kane's six-yard miss costs England against Ghana

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GOAL

·23 June 2026

Kane's six-yard miss costs England against Ghana

England dominated possession at Gillette Stadium but were held to a goalless draw by a resolute Ghana side in their World Cup Group L encounter. Despite enjoying 78% of the ball and creating numerous chances, the tournament favorites couldn't break down the Black Stars' disciplined defensive structure.

Harry Kane missed a glaring opportunity from six yards after Nico O'Reilly's header struck the crossbar, while Marc Guéhi's stoppage-time header was cleared off the line by substitute Kojo Peprah Oppong. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from England v Ghana.

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Winners

Jerome Opoku (Ghana)

Jerome Opoku delivered an outstanding defensive display that anchored Ghana's rearguard throughout 90 minutes of sustained pressure from England. The centre-back's positioning and reading of the game repeatedly snuffed out attacks before they could develop, proving the difference between a draw and defeat.

Opoku blocked Noni Madueke's curling shot that was heading for goal and won virtually every aerial duel in his defensive third. His anticipation allowed him to intercept through balls intended for England's forwards, while his composure on the ball helped Ghana relieve pressure during their limited possession spells.

With England launching wave after wave of attacks, Opoku's concentration never wavered. His headed clearances and timely interventions characterized an exceptional centre-back performance that earned Ghana a valuable point against one of the tournament's most potent attacks.

Benjamin Asare (Ghana)

Benjamin Asare produced three important saves to preserve Ghana's point against England, stepping up following Lawrence Ati Zigi's groin injury. His finest moment came at 86 minutes with a brilliant diving save to tip Bukayo Saka's curling left-footed effort around the post.

The goalkeeper gathered Anthony Gordon's effort comfortably around 58 minutes and dealt easily with Harry Kane's shot at 69 minutes. He commanded his area confidently on crosses and distributed effectively to relieve pressure during England's sustained possession spells throughout the match.

Asare's intervention against Saka proved decisive given England's late onslaught. When Ghana's defensive blocks failed to fully clear the danger, he provided the final barrier, ensuring England's dominant performance counted for nothing in a match they should have won.

Loser

Harry Kane (England)

Harry Kane endured a frustrating night as England captain, spurning several opportunities to break the deadlock. His most damaging moment came at 87 minutes when he blazed a close-range volley over the crossbar from inside the six-yard box after Nico O'Reilly's header struck the bar.

Earlier, Kane had a left-footed shot blocked by Jonas Adjetey in first-half stoppage time, while another effort at 69 minutes was comfortably saved by Benjamin Asare. He dropped deep to contribute to build-up play but consistently failed to provide the clinical finishing expected of his status.

With England creating chances throughout, Kane's inability to convert proved costly. The glaring miss from six yards would have secured all three points and emphasized the gap between dominant possession and ruthless execution that continues to frustrate Thomas Tuchel's side.