Looking to take control of Group L of the 2026 World Cup, England lock horns with Ghana on matchday two at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 23.
Both teams won their group-stage encounters. England smashed Croatia 4-2, with skipper Harry Kane scoring a brace. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found themselves on the scoresheet to help the Three Lions avenge their 2018 World Cup heartbreak at the hands of Croatia. Meanwhile, it took a stoppage-time goal from Caleb Yirenkyi to power Ghana to victory over Panama last week.
The winner of this match, provided there is one, will guarantee progression to the knockout rounds.
England vs Ghana
Team News
England boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that all his players, including Bukayo Saka, are available for selection against Ghana. Saka returned to full training with England in Foxborough on Sunday after previously training individually as medical staff managed his workload ahead of the critical World Cup stages. This came after an 18-minute appearance off the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia.
On Ghana’s end, their success over Panama was partially outshone by the Thomas Partey situation, as the Villarreal midfielder was denied entry into Canada while he awaits a UK trial on off-field matters, which he categorically denies. Partey has been cleared to enter the USA, though, so he is expected to be available for Tuesday’s big game against England.
England vs Ghana
Predicted Lineups
Predicted England lineup (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly; Elliott Anderson, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane
Predicted Ghana lineup (4-2-3-1): Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah; Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey; Abdul Fatawu, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo; Jordan Ayew
England vs Ghana
Odds
As per Kalshi, England are hot favourites to win this battle. The Three Lions have received a whopping 82% chance of winning, while there is a 14% chance of the game ending in a draw. Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana have a slender 6% opportunity to upset Tuchel’s side.
No surprises for guessing! Harry Kane tormented Croatia with his link-up play and goals, and here he gets the hefty 60% backing to score anytime in the game. Jude Bellingham is backed to double his tournament tally at 33%. For the Black Stars, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew have odds at 15% and 11%, respectively, to get on the scoresheet.
England vs Ghana
Prediction
England looked at their fluid best for the first time in many years, dominating possession, moving the ball quickly and attacking in numbers. Kane, as usual, made his nation tick with his playmaking ability, movement and link-up play. Twice they took the lead, but conceded goals to end the first half against Croatia 2-2.
So, Tuchel will want his boys to drastically improve defensively. On the other hand, Ghana might have just done enough to overcome Panama, but Carlos Queiroz will know his team were far from their best. He has to devise a proper plan that maximises the potential of his attacking players, such as Semenyo and Sulemana, whilst enabling the midfielders to keep more possession.
With their pace and power up front, the Black Stars might cause a few headaches for England’s defence. Overall, though, the Three Lions should have enough quality to beat their African counterparts and seal their spot in the knockouts.
