England can secure advancement to the round of 32 of the World Cup when they face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday night.
England have the chance to qualify for the World Cup knockout as early as Tuesday, when they face Ghana in Boston. Any doubts about Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection were partially put to rest after an uplifting second half against Croatia last Wednesday. The Three Lions came back after losing the lead twice, winning 4-2 and setting the level in Group L.
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Next up is Ghana – a team that also has three points after Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 95th minute to secure victory over Panama.
There is a confident feeling around England. While not new given their strong performances in major tournaments in recent years, the perception is that Tuchel’s winning mentality gives this team a better chance than ever.
Keeping key players injury-free will be crucial as the World Cup progresses. England are likely to be without Bukayo Saka again, but his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice says he is “ready to go” after he was taken off with 20 minutes left against Croatia.
“I’m ready and fit, ready to go,” Rice told ITV Sport.
“I felt a bit of nervous pain in my hamstring, which I’ve been dealing with since after Christmas with Arsenal. Not many people knew about it – it has been going on behind the scenes – but it was a smart decision.
“The last 20 minutes are where you struggle the most, and where you really feel that your body is going for it. I think it was a smart decision, because the last few days I’ve been feeling very, very good.
The heat of the American summer was much discussed before the tournament, but after playing in the air-conditioned dome of Dallas in the opening game, the temperature in Boston will probably hover around 22 degrees – and not be a big factor.
“The heat will affect our game at times, but the manager has been very clear with us. He believes that with this squad we have the strength and the power to outrun and outplay the opponents,” Rice said.
Ghana’s threat – and Thomas Partey back
London-born winger Antoine Semenyo will be Ghana’s most dangerous man. The Manchester City star is looking forward to meeting the country of his birth.
“It will be different, for sure. I look forward to the challenge. Everyone in the Ghana team is looking forward to it and we want to prove a point,” Semenyo said.
“We know it will be a tough game. We should not be overconfident. We know that we will win, but we also know that it will not be easy.
A win for both teams will send them through to the round of 32.
Team news
Tuchel will be reluctant to change a winning team, but he can make a couple of adjustments. Marc Guéhi has been mentioned as a replacement for John Stones in central defence, while Marcus Rashford could come in for Anthony Gordon, who was anonymous against Croatia.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey missed the Panama game after being denied entry to Canada. The 33-year-old, who previously played for Arsenal and last season for Villarreal, is charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault, and is due to stand trial in London next year. Partey, who denies guilt, has now been given permission to enter the United States and is expected to start against England.
Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi has been training and should be available.
Predicted starting line-ups
England (4-2-3-1):
Pickford – James, Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly – Rice, Anderson – Bellingham, Madueke, Rashford – Kane
Ghana (4-3-3):
Ati Zigi – Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Minseh – Yirenkyi, Partey – Fatawu, Sulemana, Semenyo – Ayew
Key figures before the match
- The teams have met only once before – a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Wembley in 2011.
- Ghana’s win over Panama was their first in seven games.
- England have won nine of their last 11 matches.
- England lost their last match against African opposition – 3–1 against Senegal in June 2025.
Our Prediction
England’s second half against Croatia gave an indication of the kind of tournament football Tuchel demands. If the players can replicate that level in Boston, they should be good enough to maintain their 100% percentage.
Prediction: England 3-1 Ghana
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