England's hopes of securing an early place in the last 32 of the World Cup were delayed after they were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in a tightly contested Group L encounter at Foxborough, near Boston.
According to AFP, England were left frustrated in their bid to join the likes of France, Argentina and Germany in the last 32 after failing to break down Ghana in a goalless Group L stalemate at Foxborough outside Boston.
England had launched their campaign last week with a stylish 4-2 win over Croatia, with their relentless attacking play sweeping aside the 2018 World Cup finalists.
But against a Ghana team defending in depth, England were unable to find the invention needed to break through, creating hardly any chances that troubled the Black Stars.
England were also fortunate to escape what looked like a strong penalty claim from Ghana in the 79th minute when Ezri Konsa bundled over substitute Prince Adu in the box.
A toothless England performance was summed up in the final minutes, when England captain Harry Kane blasted over the bar with the goal gaping.
The result left England and Ghana level on four points, just ahead of Croatia, who defeated Panama 1-0 in Toronto later Tuesday to eliminate the Central Americans.
England star Jude Bellingham insisted though there was no reason to panic, with England still in control of their destiny. A win over eliminated Panama in their final first phase game would likely see them top the group.
"It's important for us not to get too negative, not to get too het up on it," the Real Madrid ace said. "No worries, no stress, no drama at all in there.
"Very frustrating. Like, second game fever, you know, the same as always with us," said the Real Madrid midfielder.
"It feels like in all the tournaments I've been to, it's been the same -- a decent performance to start and a good win. And then just the second one..."
Off the field on Tuesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 and present the trophy to the winners.
"We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together," Infantino told Fox and Friends.