What England's shocking draw with Ghana means for World Cup Group L chances

After a dazzling showcase in its opening match against Croatia, England appeared to have turned a corner, cementing its status as one of the World Cup's premier heavyweights.

That still may be true six days later. But the mood within England's camp feels far different following its latest result — a 0-0 draw with Ghana.

Thomas Tuchel's side huffed and puffed throughout the contest, dominating possession and creating a handful of chances but struggling to apply sustained pressure against Ghana's resolute defense. The result does little to dispel the notion that England has what it takes to win the World Cup. But it does change the tenor of that conversation, with Tuchel — for the first time in his major international tournament career — expected to make changes in the hope of remedying whatever issues plagued his squad.

So, how does England's draw with Ghana impact the Group L standings? Here's what you need to know.

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What England's shocking draw with Ghana means for World Cup chances

England's draw might surely have felt like a loss to its millions of supporters back home. It also could prove consequential to the Three Lions' knockout stage aspirations — albeit England still remains in the driver's seat to advance out of the group.

Tuchel's side showed occasional attacking flair on Tuesday evening, producing 19 shots to the Black Stars' two. Still, Ghana was dogged — save for a late-game flourish that saw Harry Kane's header strike the bar, Carlos Queiroz's side was fairly comfortable in its low block.

Despite the surprising result, England kept its place at the top of the group standings. The Three Lions are level with Ghana on points, having posted identical 1-0-1 records thus far. England holds a slim advantage by way of goal difference, having produced two more goals than it has conceded compared with Ghana's one.

England has effectively secured its place in the Round of 32 — its four-point tally will likely exceed the marks of most third-place teams. If the side lands a positive result against Panama — and maintains its goal difference advantage — England will win its group.

England will feel confident that it can brush Panama aside. Ghana, meanwhile, will take on a Croatian side bursting with talent — and likely needing a result to ensure it makes it to the knockout stages. In other words, the path for Ghana — a side that has offered little attacking threat thus far in this World Cup — to secure first place is harder than that of its English foes.

Simply put, England still has its knockout-stage seeding in its hands. It just needs a win against Panama — and hope Ghana doesn't beat Croatia by more than two goals — to win the group.

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England World Cup schedule

England wraps its group stage with a tilt against Panama on June 27. Tuchel's side is heavily favored in the fixture. Given England and Ghana's matching records, goal difference could come into effect.

World Cup Group H standings

Here's what the Group L standings look like following England and Ghana's surprise draw.