2026 World Cup: Wayne Rooney names two players England is missing after 0-0 draw with Ghana

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has said the Three Lions missed the creativity of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer during their frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rooney made the observation after England failed to find a breakthrough against a resilient Ghanaian side in Boston on Tuesday night.

England entered the match full of confidence following their impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening Group L fixture.

However, Thomas Tuchel’s men struggled to replicate that attacking display against Ghana, who produced a disciplined defensive performance to secure a valuable point.

The Three Lions dominated possession throughout the contest, controlling nearly 79 per cent of the ball and registering 19 shots compared to Ghana’s two.

Despite their dominance, England were unable to convert their superiority into goals as Ghana’s defence repeatedly blocked attacks and limited clear-cut opportunities.

England came closest to scoring late in the game when Bukayo Saka, Nico O’Reilly and captain Harry Kane all threatened the Ghanaian goal, but the breakthrough never arrived.

Speaking after the match, Rooney suggested England lacked players capable of unlocking a compact defence in tight spaces.

The former Manchester United and England striker pointed to Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, who were not included in England’s World Cup squad, as players who could have made a difference.

“These games are more difficult than games against better teams that are better going forward. There’s more space,” Rooney 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 argued that while England possess significant attacking quality, matches against defensively organised teams require creative midfielders who can operate effectively in congested areas.

The draw leaves England with work still to do in their quest to finish top of Group L.

Tuchel’s side will now face Panama in their final group-stage match, knowing a victory will guarantee progression to the knockout stage as group winners.

For Ghana, the result strengthened their qualification hopes after a disciplined display that frustrated one of the tournament favourites.

As England prepare for their decisive clash with Panama, Rooney’s comments are likely to reignite debate over the omission of Foden and Palmer from the World Cup squad and whether their creativity could have helped avoid the stalemate against Ghana.