FIFA World Cup 2026, England vs Ghana: Predicted Lineups, Team News, Prediction and More

Last Updated:June 23, 2026, 14:00 IST

England can seal top spot in Group L with a win over Ghana. Here's the latest team news, predicted lineups, key stats and score prediction.

England and Ghana meet at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday with both sides aiming to build on winning starts to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns.

The Three Lions produced one of the standout performances of Matchday 1, defeating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining contest that showcased both their attacking brilliance and defensive vulnerabilities. Ghana, meanwhile, needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi to edge past Panama 1-0 and claim three valuable points.

A second victory would put England firmly in control of Group L and potentially secure qualification for the knockout rounds with a game to spare.

Team News

Thomas Tuchel is expected to stick largely with the side that impressed against Croatia.

Harry Kane remains the focal point of England’s attack after scoring twice in the opener, while Jude Bellingham once again looks set to operate in the No. 10 role after another influential display. Noni Madueke should retain his place on the right wing, with Anthony Gordon providing pace and directness from the opposite flank.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are expected to continue their partnership, offering balance behind England’s attacking players.

Defensively, Marc Guehi could come into the starting XI alongside John Stones after England struggled at times against Croatia’s counterattacks. Reece James and Nico O’Reilly are expected to start at full-back, with Jordan Pickford remaining between the posts.

For Ghana, much will depend on captain Jordan Ayew and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. Caleb Yirenkyi’s confidence will be high after scoring the winner against Panama, while Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ernest Nuamah provide attacking threat in wide areas.

Predicted Lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Reece James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Ghana (4-2-3-1): Benjamin Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Partey; Fatawu, Sulemana, Semenyo; Jordan Ayew.

Key Stats

This will be only the second meeting between England and Ghana, and the first competitive encounter between the two nations. Their only previous meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in a friendly in 2011.

England also boast a strong historical record against African opposition. The Three Lions have lost just one match against an African nation — a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June 2025 — and remain unbeaten against African teams in eight previous World Cup matches.

While England sit fourth in the FIFA world rankings and Ghana are ranked 73rd, the Black Stars have already shown they can outperform expectations after defeating a higher-ranked Panama side in their opening game.

Prediction

England’s attack looked fluid, dynamic and ruthless against Croatia. Kane, Bellingham and Rashford all found the scoresheet, while the overall intensity of Tuchel’s system caused constant problems.

Ghana deserve credit for grinding out a result against Panama, but they created few clear chances and may struggle to contain England’s superior quality for 90 minutes.

If England tighten up defensively, they should have too much firepower for the Black Stars.

Prediction: England 3-0 Ghana.

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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