Michael Owen, a former England international, has advised against overreacting to England's goalless draw against Ghana, stating that one early tournament match does not signify the end of their World Cup ambitions.
Owen acknowledged the performance against Ghana was not brilliant and was disappointing, but he stressed that the reaction has been disproportionate, suggesting the team's challenge has not collapsed. He drew parallels to past World Cups, citing England's 2002 draw with Sweden followed by a win against Argentina, and Romania's group stage loss in 1998 before a victory over Colombia. He also noted Argentina's opening match loss in the 2022 World Cup, who went on to win the trophy, as evidence that tournaments are not decided by a single result.
"The biggest mistake supporters and pundits make is assuming every game should follow the same script," Owen wrote. "You see England score four goals against Croatia and then expect another four against Ghana. Football doesn't work that way, especially at major tournaments."
He explained that Ghana's defensive approach made the match difficult, but such games are not typically where World Cups are won or lost. Owen suggested that a single Harry Kane shot could have resulted in a 1-0 win, leading to praise for England's patience. Instead, he observed a tendency for opinions to shift dramatically after one frustrating game.
Owen highlighted the ability of elite footballers to compartmentalize performances, stating that they do not dwell on negative results. He believes the England players will be focusing on their previous four-goal performance, their world-class attackers, and the four points they already have from two matches, considering it a "perfectly healthy position to be in."
The expanded 48-team format of the current World Cup also provides a buffer, according to Owen. He argued that the days when a single poor result could eliminate a major nation are gone, and England is virtually guaranteed to advance. He suggested that if anything, this was the opportune moment for the team to have an off-day.
Regarding team selection debates, Owen dismissed the idea that one specific decision would transform the team, asserting that the World Cup will be won by the team that best utilizes its substitutes. He noted the importance of fresh legs, especially against tiring defenses, in the current conditions.
Owen suggested that inside the England camp, the message from coach Thomas Tuchel would be one of pragmatism: "four points, clean sheet, top of the group, job nearly done." He anticipates more positivity within the team than is being reflected externally, a common occurrence in tournaments where players and managers adopt a longer-term perspective than the emotionally driven, game-to-game view of the outside world.
He did note that substitutions could have been deployed earlier against Ghana, identifying it as a learning opportunity, but maintained that England controlled most of the game and were not outplayed. Owen concluded that England remains one of the strongest squads and is capable of progressing deep into the tournament.
In a separate note, Owen commented on Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that the player is motivated by negativity. After failing to score in Portugal's opening game, Ronaldo responded with two goals, a performance Owen suggested would be repeated as Ronaldo's motivation is fueled by criticism.