Quote · The Rest Is Football
England struggle in Ghana stalemate and Ronaldo gets off the mark
Where this was said
Praising Ghana and Carlos Queiroz's Tactical Masterclass
At 21:05 · chapter starts 20:45
Having spent most of the episode analysing England's shortcomings, the panel pauses to give Ghana their due credit. Harry Maguire is particularly generous, singling out Thomas Partey's exceptional work screening Harry Kane — barely giving England's captain a touch — and praising the entire team's defensive compactness and aerial dominance at set pieces [1] — Joe Cole "Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz is no ordinary tactician. Joe Cole recalls how Queiroz transformed Manchester United's European approach — swi…" 20:45 . Gary Lineker prompts Joe Cole to contextualise Carlos Queiroz's achievement, and Cole delivers a compelling backstory: Queiroz arrived at Manchester United when the club was dominating domestically but struggling in Europe, playing a traditional 4-4-2 that left them outnumbered in midfield against continental opposition. Queiroz convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to adopt a 4-3-3, added the extra midfield body, and the results followed — Champions League finals and ultimately the trophy [2] — Harry Maguire "Thomas Partey like screened Harry Kane all the way through the game, didn't give him a kick really, and it was tough for the lads to get be…" 21:05 . Against England, he applied the same tactical intelligence to neutralise a far more powerful opponent.
Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz is no ordinary tactician. Joe Cole recalls how Queiroz transformed Manchester United's European approach — switching from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 — helping them win the Champions League. Against England, he got it exactly right again.
Thomas Partey effectively nullified Harry Kane throughout the match, barely giving England's striker a touch.
Carlos Queiroz, Ghana's coach, previously worked as assistant at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson and helped change their European tactical setup to a 4-3-3.
Panama lost 1-0 to Croatia, meaning they cannot progress from the group even if they beat England, due to head-to-head rules.
Panama's 1-0 loss to Croatia means they're already eliminated on head-to-head, making the England game a dead rubber for them. The panel is divided on how much Tuchel should rotate — but most agree it's time to give Watkins and Rashford a start.
