England dominated possession with 79 per cent and created significantly more attacking threat against Ghana in their World Cup Group L opener, but a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending saw them draw 0–0 in Qatar. The hosts registered 19 shots, of which only three found the target, squandering a clear numerical advantage in chances; their expected goals of 1.36 underscored their wastefulness in front of goal. Ghana, operating in a compact 4-1-4-1 formation, absorbed the pressure with just 21 per cent possession and two shots, though they managed one effort on target. England's goalkeeper faced minimal threat, saving the sole shot he confronted, while Ghana's keeper made a crucial save to deny the hosts, denying them above expected value. Said Martinez oversaw a cagey contest where England's 4-2-3-1 setup provided width and control but lacked the clinical edge required to break through. The stalemate leaves England needing a more clinical approach in their next fixture.