Wayne Rooney believes England missed the creativity of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer during Tuesday's goalless draw with Ghana in Boston. The former Manchester United striker pointed to the absence of both players from Thomas Tuchel's squad as a key factor in the Three Lions' failure to find a breakthrough.
England dominate but fail to score
After a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener, England struggled to replicate that form against Ghana. Tuchel's side finished the match with nearly 79% possession and registered 19 shots compared to Ghana's two, yet the points were shared. The best chances came in the final minutes when Bukayo Saka, Nico O'Reilly, and Harry Kane all came close.
Ghana's disciplined defence, organised by manager Carlos Queiroz, blocked numerous efforts before they could reach the goal. The African side sat deep in a 5-4-1 formation, making it difficult for England to find space in tight areas.
Rooney calls for Foden and Palmer
Speaking after the match, Rooney argued that games against deep-lying defences require players who can operate in confined spaces. "These games are more difficult than games against better teams that are better going forward. There's more space," he said. "I don't want to go back to it, but these games are when you need a Phil Foden or a Cole Palmer. Clever players in tight areas."
Rooney also singled out Declan Rice, suggesting the midfielder's qualities are not best suited to unlocking a low block. "With Declan Rice, through all Declan's qualities, getting in little tight areas and linking play… that's where you probably need a Foden or a Palmer," he added.
Rice reflects on tough test
Declan Rice acknowledged the difficulty of facing Ghana's stubborn defence. "It is always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball as deep as they were, but you have to find solutions. In the last 10 minutes we were unlucky not to score," he told the BBC. "We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama so positivity all round. They were very compact, 5-4-1 off the ball and tight spaces to play through, but on the other hand we can do more with the ball."
Rice also praised Ghana's performance. "You have to give credit to Ghana. It's tough and they are good players so it was never going to be an easy game. We have one more group game to top the group so we have to be positive. Loads of top nations draw the first game so there is no need to be negative or downbeat. We will stay positive," he said.
World Cup implications
England now face Panama in their final group match, needing a win to secure top spot. The draw with Ghana leaves the group wide open, with all four teams still capable of advancing. Tuchel will likely consider his squad selection after Rooney's comments, though Foden and Palmer were omitted from the original 23-man squad.
