Following an impressive victory over Croatia in their opening fixture, England knew another win would guarantee a place in the last 32. Yet Ghana had the same ambition and stifled Thomas Tuchel's side for much of the contest in Boston.

James again started on the right of England's defence, while Chelsea team-mate Trevoh Chalobah, who was a late addition to the squad following an injury to Tino Livramento, was an unused substitute.

The England backline was untroubled during the opening 45 minutes. However, for all the Three Lions' possession and territory, Benjamin Asare in the Ghana goal was largely untested in the first half.

The pattern of the game continued after the interval – England ended the contest with 79 per cent possession – but Ghana carried a threat on the counter.

Prince Kwabena Adu was presented with the Black Stars' best opportunity after breaking beyond the England backline, but as the 22-year-old arrived in the penalty area, he was put under pressure by Ezri Konsa and James ended up halting the attack from under his own crossbar.

It was only in the latter stages, when England upped their intensity and pushed more players forward, that threatening chances were fashioned.

Harry Kane saw an effort saved by Asare before the Ghana goalkeeper denied a whipped attempt from substitute Bukayo Saka.

James fashioned England's best chance of the game late on. In the 87th minute, he produced an excellent cross that fellow full-back Nico O'Reilly headed toward goal. The ball rebounded off the crossbar and fell invitingly to Kane, who skewed his shot over from close range.

Ghana's backline also cleared a late header from Chelsea Academy graduate Marc Guehi, as England were kept at bay despite registering 19 shots, although only three of those were on target.

The draw leaves England and Ghana, for whom former Blues defender Baba Rahman was a late substitute, on four points after two matches.

Tuchel's side complete their group-stage campaign on Saturday evening, as they take on Panama to seal a place in the knockout stage. Ghana will face Croatia, looking to achieve the same objective.