In the second match of World Cup 2026 Group L at Gillette Stadium on 23/6, England held 78,8% possession and took 19 shots, yet were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana. Bellingham started, had 40 touches, completed 87% of his passes, created one chance, had two shots with one on target, and completed 15 dribbles. In the 73rd minute, he was substituted for Morgan Rogers, a player who won the Europa League in the 2025-2026 season with Aston Villa.

Jude Bellingham (in white) dribbles during England's 0-0 draw with Ghana in the second match of World Cup 2026 Group L at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Boston, US on 23/6/2026. Photo: Reuters

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson likened England's play against Ghana to a game of Subbuteo – the popular table football game – due to the players' lack of necessary movement. According to the 58-year-old former midfielder, Bellingham was a rare bright spot, constantly seeking space and actively receiving the ball, but his teammates failed to capitalize on this.

"There were many times Bellingham was ready to receive the ball but wasn't passed to," Merson commented. "Look at how Argentina finds Messi. They give him the ball anywhere on the pitch. With just one touch, Messi can take two or three opposition players out of the game. The team needs to trust Bellingham more. He is a quality player and consistently appears in very advantageous positions."

After an opening 4-2 victory against Croatia, failing to score against Ghana was disappointing for England. Their 78,8% possession was the highest for a team in World Cup history (since 1966) in a goalless match.

"It's a reality check. You cannot score four goals in every game, but people still expect England to find a way to break down the opponent's defense," Merson continued. "You cannot win the World Cup in the second game. Early wake-up calls are better than those that come later in the tournament."

*Key moments of the England 0-0 Ghana match.

Merson suggested this scenario is not new, as many of England's draws in major tournaments often occur against opponents who defend deeply. One of Merson's primary concerns is the midfield's creativity. According to the former Arsenal midfielder, superior possession without creating enough dangerous chances is a worry for the coaching staff.

"I do not think we have enough guile in midfield," he analyzed. "Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are quite similar types of players. They are not individuals capable of dictating and distributing the ball across the pitch. The team currently lacks a true passer. To break down an opponent's defense, you need movement. Off-the-ball runs are the only way to stretch a defensive system. That is the one thing that truly defeats a defense."

Merson emphasized that this makes the value of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden – two attacking midfielders not called up for World Cup 2026 – in creating breakthroughs even clearer to fans.

Coach Thomas Tuchel reacts during the match. Photo: Reuters

Despite the unconvincing performance, Merson affirmed that England still needs to support Tuchel. He predicted that "the Three Lions" would not rotate too heavily in their final group stage match against Panama on 27/6, as their progression is not yet secured, and they need to maintain match sharpness and rediscover their winning form.

"Football always has its ups and downs. Croatia played an open game and paid the price, while Ghana never chose that approach. Panama will also not push high against England," Merson observed. "England needs to regain its winning momentum. What the team needs now is stability and continuity, rather than changing five or six positions in the lineup. They do not want to repeat a similarly unconvincing performance against Ghana. The important thing is to enter the round of 16 with high spirits and confidence."

Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports, Daily Mail)