World Cup 2026: England–Ghana 0–0; Judd Bellingham candid on 'Player of the Match' award: 'Second match fever' back
England's Jude Bellingham questioned the verdict in his 'Man of the Tournament' selection after the 0–0 draw against Ghana. He noted that 'second match fever' had struck again. England and Ghana are tied on 4 points each; England play Panama and Ghana face Croatia in the final group game on Saturday.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match between England and Ghana in Boston ended goalless 0–0. Jude Bellingham, who scored a goal against Croatia in the opener, struggled to break down Ghana's deeply disciplined defense in this game. He was substituted before the final 20 minutes and arrived at the Morgan Rogers Stadium.
At the end of the game, Bellingham made it clear that he didn't deserve the 'Player of the Tournament' award in the online fan poll: "I don't deserve it... It should have gone to someone who blocked better than them (Ghana). There were moments when it was difficult to fully get into the game. Thanks to the voters, but the award has to go to their safety."
At the same time, he noted, "It's the usual 'second match fever' for England — win the first game, draw the second. But that's okay. They (Ghana) played for a draw to ensure their qualification."
The result leaves England and Ghana level on four points each. England face Panama and Ghana face Croatia in the final group picture on Saturday.
England captain Harry Kane missed a big chance at the end and calmly reflected after the game. "Disappointed not to get the win. A game we knew we were going to control; they blocked well with a low, compact block. There were fewer spaces in the middle of the pitch and one-on-one battles on the outer edges. We had a bit of progress and chances in the opening and closing parts of both halves. It could have ended 1–0 or 2–0. Credit to them — solid in defense and dangerous in attack. "We blocked well at the back; they didn't have much chance and we went to the next match."
Kane added: "A quick goal at the start is important in games like this. When it goes 0–0, the opposition get more confident and defend with heart. We had a few chances at the end; mostly I hope to finish, just not today. We would have liked a second win; but overall we are in good shape," Kane added.
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