England player ratings: Two get 1/10, while Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel handed brutal verdict

Second game syndrome is becoming a real problem for England.

The Three Lions drew 0-0 with Ghana in their second Group L clash of this World Cup in Boston.

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It was a world away from the pulsating 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas.

England haven’t won the second match of a major tournament after having won the first since victory over Panama at World Cup 2018.

talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham summed it up at full-time: “What a load of rubbish that was.”

He was particularly scathing in his player ratings.

Difficult second album

There were zero shots on target from either side in the opening 45 minutes – the first time at this World Cup it has happened.

Some of the biggest talking points happened outside of the game.

Djed Spence appeared to refuse to shake Thomas Partey’s hand before the game. That was about his biggest contribution.

Durham gave Spence a 3/10 and said: “A big chance to impress, but he didn’t take it.”

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham had to be held back after the half-time whistle went as he got into a confrontation with members of the Ghana team.

Bellingham was withdrawn with 17 minutes to go for Morgan Rogers.

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Durham gave him a 5/10 and said: “I’m amazed he was taken off. He’s capable of big moments.”

Pickford concern?

Ghana did not offer a huge amount going forward, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford engineered a couple of worrying moments.

He raced out of his box and made a reckless challenge on Prince Adu and the referee gave a free-kick in favour of England.

talkSPORT’s co-commentator at the Gilette Stadium, Stuart Pearce, said: “He hesitated, and he’s very fortunate to stay on the pitch.

“I think he is very fortunate there.”

Durham gave him just 1/10 and called it a ‘ridiculous performance’ from the England No.1.

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Anthony Gordon also received the brutal 1/10 mark.

He added: “He has actually signed for Barcelona. It really happened.”

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Another Tuchel team talk?

Tuchel let rip at his England players at half-time against Croatia – sparking a much improved second 45 minutes.

Giving his half-time verdict, Durham felt the same was needed.

He said: “That was deeply frustrating. I wasn’t particularly impressed. The players are way better than that.

“They must have enjoyed Tuchel’s team talk so much that they want another one.”

He waited until the 65th minute to make changes with Bukayo Saka and O’Reilly coming on for Anthony Gordon and Spence.

The substitutions did not have the desired impact – that gets him a 2/10.

Durham added: “Although I give him 10/10 for managing expectations.”

Kane sitter

England finished the game strongly and were pushing for the winner.

It was an all out assault in the final 15 minutes, but that winning goal did not come.

Harry Kane skied a chance from just five yards out. Something that is very unlike the Three Lions skipper after the record season he’s had.

Kane was among four players to get a 2/10 and Durham said: “He was well marshalled but didn’t have enough brightness to make room and chances for himself. Chance to score and ballooned it over.”

England now head to New York to face Panama in their final group game on Saturday, needing a win to guarantee top spot.