Eze urges England to block out noise after Ghana stalemate leaves top spot unresolved

Eberechi Eze has called on England’s players to stay inside their “bubble” and ignore external criticism after a goalless draw with Ghana in Boston left Thomas Tuchel’s side unable to seal top spot in World Cup 2026 Group L. The stalemate was England’s fourth consecutive draw in the second game of a major tournament.

The point all but confirmed England’s place in the last 32, but first place now depends on their result against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday and how Ghana fare against Croatia in the parallel fixture.

Eze was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the draw had shifted the mood inside the camp. “No, we set out to win anyway, so it changes nothing for us,” he said. “The mentality is still the same, so we’re focusing on doing what we need to win. I think that’s the main thing. It’s a long journey, you can’t be too high, you can’t be too low, you’ve got to be trusting what you’re doing in the present moment.”

Harry Kane, who scored twice in the opening win over Croatia, was largely peripheral against Ghana and skied a late chance he would ordinarily convert. Eze pushed back on the idea that England are over-reliant on their captain for goals. “I think it makes it look like that, because he scores so many goals and he’s that effective,” the Crystal Palace midfielder said. “But we’ve got so much talent, so much creativity, and options to score. Of course, it helps having someone as incredible as him.”

The squad flew back to their Kansas City base on Tuesday night, and Eze emphasised the importance of protecting the group’s internal focus ahead of the Panama fixture. “Blocking out a lot of the noise — we know there’s a lot going on around us, but we’re very focused on what’s going on inside, and we’re enjoying that little bubble that we’re in,” he said. “There’s a lot of media, a lot of conversations about us and what’s going on, but as long as we can stay tight, that’s all that matters really.”