Vieira sees no reason to panic
England’s World Cup campaign slowed in Foxborough, near Boston, but Patrick Vieira does not believe the 0-0 draw with Ghana should be treated as a major setback.
Thomas Tuchel’s side had opened Group L with a 4-2 win over Croatia, raising expectations before their second match. Against Ghana, however, England found possession easier to control than chances were to create.
As England Football’s match centre recorded, England were held by a disciplined Ghana side, with Nico O’Reilly hitting the bar late on before Harry Kane sent the rebound over.
According to Metro’s report, Vieira said on The Rest Is Football that England “didn’t lose the game” and argued that Ghana deserved credit for being organised, compact and dangerous on the counter-attack.
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The former France midfielder also maintained that England remain capable of going deep into the tournament, saying he still expects them to reach at least the semi-finals.
Saka gives Tuchel a decision
The main selection debate now centres on England’s wide players.
Vieira suggested that Bukayo Saka’s introduction against Ghana gave England a different kind of threat compared with Noni Madueke, who started on the right. That does not necessarily mean Tuchel must make an immediate change, but it strengthens the case for Saka to play a bigger role as the tournament develops.
As Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett reported, Tuchel had already indicated that Saka was being managed carefully because of an Achilles issue and was unlikely to start before the final group match against Panama.
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That match now looks like the obvious moment to give him more minutes, provided his fitness continues to improve.
Richards wants rotation against Panama
Micah Richards went further than Vieira, arguing that Tuchel should use the final group game to refresh the team.
The former England defender said he would make “wholesale changes” against Panama, including starts for Marcus Rashford and Saka if fit. He also called for Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers to be given opportunities, while suggesting that Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham could benefit from a rest.
There is logic to that approach. England are still in a strong position, but the Ghana draw showed that Tuchel may need more than one attacking formula if opponents sit deep and deny space.
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Resting senior players would also reduce the risk of fatigue before the knockout stage, while giving fringe attackers a chance to sharpen the competition for places.
Panama match still matters
England are not yet through, but they remain in control of Group L.
According to FIFA’s fixture page, England face Panama on Saturday, June 27, at New York New Jersey Stadium. A win would remove any uncertainty and should secure a favourable position for the knockout rounds.
The Ghana result was not a collapse. It was a reminder. England have enough individual quality to go far, but they will need more speed, width and variety when matches become tight.
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For Tuchel, the Panama game is now more than a formality. It is a chance to reset the rhythm before the tournament becomes less forgiving.
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