England midfielder Jude Bellingham insisted their goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday could prove valuable preparation for the challenges that lie ahead in the World Cup.
Despite dominating possession and creating plenty of chances at the Boston Stadium, England were unable to break down a disciplined Ghana side who defended resolutely and threatened dangerously on the break.
England controlled 78.8 per cent of the ball and registered 19 shots at goal, but Thomas Tuchel’s side lacked the cutting edge that inspired their thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in their Group L opener.
Yet for Bellingham, the stalemate highlighted the importance of adapting to different styles of opposition during a major tournament.
“We’re not only going to play teams from Europe or what we’re used to,” the 22-year-old told reporters after becoming the youngest player to earn 50 caps for England.
“It’s amazing to be able to play so early a strong opponent from Africa who pose completely different threats, and you saw that today.
“It was tough to break them down. They were exceptional on the counter-attack. They always kept that little bit of fear in us when we were going forward.
“But part of the beautiful thing of the World Cup is you get to play against teams, players, styles of play that you normally don’t get to play against. It will stand us in to good stead going into the rest of the tournament for sure.”
England entered the match knowing victory would secure their place in the knockout stages, alongside World Cup stalwarts Argentina, France and Germany. Instead, they were left frustrated after failing to convert their dominance into goals.
“Very frustrating”, Bellingham admitted. “Second game fever. Same as always with us, it fees like.
“In all the tournaments I’ve been to it’s been the same; decent performance to start and a good win, and then just the second one frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up.
“Credit to them. They got exactly out the game what they played for. (We) couldn’t quite break them down even with all the corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance.”
Harry Kane had the best chance of the game in the 86th minute, but he could only blaze his shot over the bar after substitute Nico O’Reilly hit the crossbar with a header.
Bellingham insisted there was no panic inside the dressing room.
“I just told him not to waste them all now,” he joked. “No worries, no stress, no drama at all in there (the dressing room)… (we have) four points, puts us in a good position.
“(As one of the) experienced players, my message has just been to stay positive, keep the good atmosphere we’ve got going. It’s not the end of the world.”
England now turn their attention to Panama in their final group match, where a win would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.
“It’s one of those things, it happens,” Bellingham added. “It’s important for us and for you guys as well (the media) not to get too negative, not to get too hit up on it.
“We’ll prepare, we’ll watch the footage to see where we could’ve been better, and prepare for Panama.”
