Harry Kane has two goals in the 4-2 win over Croatia, while Lionel Messi has five goals, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Braut Haaland have four each at the top of the World Cup top scorers list. – All three have two games, while Harry Kane gets his second with England tonight.
England vs Ghana: Squad Selection, Preview & Everything You Need to Know
Thomas Tuchel and England can secure advancement to the World Cup quarter-finals as early as Tuesday night – but Ghana are ready to put a spanner in the works in Boston.
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A solid second half against Croatia last Wednesday allayed many of the doubts surrounding Tuchel’s team selection. Three Lions had wasted the lead twice, but turned it all around to win 4-2 and sent a clear signal to the rest of Group L. Now a Ghanaian team awaits who also have three points on their account – thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s dream 95th-minute goal against Panama.
The mood around England is one of confidence, but this time it feels different. Tuchel is seen as the tactical spark that can make the difference in close games – and with his will to win at the helm, many believe this team has a better chance than ever.
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As in all championships, it is about keeping the key players healthy. England will again have to do without Bukayo Saka, but Declan Rice – who had to go off 20 minutes before the end against Croatia – assures that he is ready for Ghana.
“I’m fit and ready to go,” Rice told ITV Sport.
“I felt a little nervous pain in my hamstring, which I have dealt with since Christmas with Arsenal. Few people knew about it – there was a lot of work behind the scenes. But replacing me then was a smart choice. The last 20 minutes are where you really feel your body working for you, and it was right to take that precaution. The last few days I have felt very, very good.
Before the championships, the summer heat in the United States was a hot topic – literally. England opened in Dallas’ air-cooled indoor arena, but in Boston temperatures are expected to be around 22 degrees, so the heat is unlikely to be a big factor.
“The heat will affect our game at times, but the manager has been very clear that with this squad we have the strength and power to outrun and outplay the opposition,” Rice said.
Ghana’s Most Dangerous Weapon: London’s Own Antoine Semenyo
For Ghana, it’s all about creating a new surprise. London-born Antoine Semenyo is the man England need to watch out for – and the Manchester City star is looking forward to meeting the country of his birth.
“This will be different, that’s for sure,” says Semenyo.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. Everyone in the Ghana group is looking forward to it, and we want to prove something. We know it will be tough, but we shouldn’t overestimate ourselves. We want to win, but we know it will be anything but easy.
With a win, both teams are ready for the last eight. There’s everything to play for.
Team news: Partey back – England can rotate
Tuchel is usually cautious about changing a winning team, but he can still make a couple of adjustments. Marc Guehi has been mentioned as a possible replacement for John Stones in central defence, while Marcus Rashford could get the chance at the expense of Anthony Gordon – who was relatively anonymous against Croatia.
Ghana will get Thomas Partey back in midfield. The 33-year-old, former Arsenal player and now a Villarreal pro, had to sit out the Panama game after being denied entry to Canada. Partey is charged with one count of rape and one sexual assault case, and will go on trial in London next year. He denies guilt, but has been allowed to enter the United States and is expected to start against England.
Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi has been training and is expected to be available.
Predicted line-ups
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford – James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly – Rice, Anderson – Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford – Kane
Ghana (4-3-3): Ati Zigi – Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Minseh – Yirenkyi, Partey – Fatawu, Sulemana, Semenyo – Ayew
Key figures and history
- The teams have only met once before – it ended 1-1 at Wembley in 2011.
- Ghana’s win over Panama was their first in seven games.
- England have won nine of their last eleven international matches.
- England lost their last match against African opposition – 3–1 against Senegal in June 2025.
Match facts and prediction
England showed against Croatia exactly what kind of championship football Tuchel demands. If they can replicate that level in Boston, they should be good enough to take their second straight win and secure advancement.
Our prediction: England 3-1 Ghana
