England takes on Ghana in World Cup Group L with top spot at stake
England, fresh off a 4-2 win over Croatia, looks to secure a last-16 berth against a Ghana side that edged Panama 1-0. Both teams have three points; the winner takes control of Group L.
Pre-match context
Both sides entered the second matchday with maximum points from their opening fixtures. England overpowered Croatia 4-2 in Dallas, with Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham also on target, while Ghana beat Panama 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi. The two victories left the Three Lions and the Black Stars level on three points, with Croacia and Panama yet to get off the mark.
Lineups and tactical changes
Thomas Tuchel made two changes to the England defence that started against Croatia. Marc Guéhi replaced John Stones in central defence and Djed Spence came in at left-back for Nico O’Reilly. The rest of the XI remained unchanged: Jordan Pickford in goal; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon behind captain Harry Kane.
Carlos Queiroz reshuffled his Ghana side, bringing Kwasi Sibo into midfield for Kamaldeen Sulemana and recalling Thomas Partey after the midfielder was denied entry to Canada for the opener because of an ongoing rape and sexual assault case. Iñaki Williams replaced Ernest Nuamah in attack alongside Antoine Semenyo and veteran Jordan Ayew. The back five stayed the same, with Benjamin Asare in goal.
- England defeat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas
- Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto
- England vs Ghana kicks off at Gillette Stadium, Boston
What's at stake
A second win for either team guarantees a place in the round of 32. England, world champions only once in 1966 and runners-up at the last European Championship, are aiming to top the group. Ghana, whose best World Cup finish remains the quarter-finals in 2010, are looking to reach the knockout phase for the first time since that South African run.
Whatever happens during the match, we have to stay together, fight together and move forward together.
Key records
Harry Kane’s double against Croatia moved him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals for England; another goal tonight would make him the country’s all-time top scorer in the tournament. England have never lost to an African team at the World Cup (five wins, three draws) and Kane has netted five times in his five international matches against African nations. Ghana have won two group-stage games at a single World Cup only once before (2006, against the Czech Republic and the United States) and have failed to beat a European opponent in their last four World Cup meetings.
Match status
The match kicked off at 22:00 CEST at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with Honduran referee Said Martínez officiating. Light rain fell as both sets of fans filled the venue. The early minutes have seen a cautious start from both teams, the score still 0-0 as they test each other in a game that will decide the Group L leader.
