Merson: Back to reality for England but we need to trust Tuchel

England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in their second World Cup group game was always going to feel different after the opening 4-2 victory over Croatia. But the reality check was sharper than expected. The Three Lions’ attacking rhythm stalled against a disciplined Ghana side, exposing familiar frustrations that now demand Thomas Tuchel’s attention.

A reality check, not a crisis

Paul Merson labelled the result a return to reality for England, and he’s right. Four consecutive World Cup tournaments have seen England draw their second group game, and this one followed the same pattern. Tuchel’s side started brightly but couldn’t sustain the pressure, with Ghana’s defence absorbing everything thrown at them. The Sky Sports pundit acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down deep blocks but stressed that progress is still possible.

“You can’t score four in every game, but you’d expect to break them down in the end,” Merson noted. “That’s something for Tuchel to look at, but you’re not winning the World Cup in the second game of the tournament.” The point is fair: early momentum matters, but the tournament is long. England remain on course for the knockout stages, and a draw keeps their options open.

Subbuteo football and missed chances

The game lacked fluidity, with Ghana’s compact shape stifling England’s creativity. Merson described it as “Subbuteo football,” a telling comparison for a match where movement and quick passing were in short supply. The lack of dynamism was glaring, particularly in midfield, where Ghana’s structure frustrated England’s attempts to build rhythm.

Jude Bellingham’s positioning was singled out as an area for improvement. The Real Madrid midfielder often drifted into pockets of space but rarely received the ball when he was free. Merson highlighted Messi’s ability to receive and instantly eliminate defenders with a single touch, contrasting it with England’s hesitant play. “They have to trust Bellingham more and get him the ball,” he argued. “He’s a top player and he’s getting into really good positions.”

Trust the process, but fix the flaws

England’s tournament trajectory remains intact, but the Ghana draw exposed tactical and psychological hurdles. Tuchel’s side will need to adapt quickly if they’re to progress beyond the group stage. The manager’s man-management and in-game adjustments will be scrutinised, particularly in how he utilises his most influential players.

Merson’s message was clear: trust the manager, but demand better. “It’s better to have those reality checks earlier in the tournament than later on,” he said. England can’t afford to rely solely on individual brilliance; they need collective solutions. The next match will be decisive, and Tuchel’s ability to refine England’s approach could define their World Cup fate.

For now, the focus shifts to regrouping. England’s opening win suggested they could dominate opponents, but Ghana’s resilience proved otherwise. The lesson is simple: progress isn’t linear, and Tuchel’s work is far from done. The Three Lions must tighten their execution or risk paying a higher price later.