England and Ghana head into this World Cup clash with maximum points already on the board. However, neither side will believe the job is done just yet, and both will want to improve on their opening displays.
A win here would put one foot firmly in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, a defeat would quickly turn the final group game into an uncomfortable exercise in maths and nerves.
England got off to a winning start with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia. The result showcased everything Three Lions supporters believe this England team can be.
In particular, England were outstanding in the second half. They pressed aggressively, attacked with confidence and finally seemed to play with the “handbrake off” as fans have demanded for years.
Going forward, England looked dangerous. Defensively, though, there were still moments that Thomas Tuchel will want to address sooner rather than later.
Ghana’s opening match was very different. The Black Stars had to dig deep before snatching a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama thanks to a stoppage-time winner.
It was not always pretty, but tournament football rarely is. Sometimes, the ability to grind out three points tells you just as much about a team as a dominant performance.
As a result, this sets up a fascinating battle in Boston.
England will fancy their chances with the firepower of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and company, especially if they perform as they did after the break against Croatia.
The Three Lions may start as favourites. However, World Cups have a habit of reminding everyone that reputations count for very little once the whistle blows.
Both teams won their opening game. Both know another victory would leave qualification within touching distance. With top spot in Group L potentially on the line, expect neither side to hold much back.
How to watch England vs Ghana
England vs Ghana kicks off at 21:00 BST on Tuesday, June 23, at Boston Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be available on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be shown on Telemundo and Universo, while Peacock will provide streaming options.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Select matches will also be broadcast on CTV, while streaming is available through TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
England team news
With no fresh injury concerns reported from the England camp, Tuchel is not expected to make many changes, if any.
Bukayo Saka was the main fitness concern heading into the opening match against Croatia. He missed out on a starting role but was available from the bench.
It would be harsh on Noni Madueke, who impressed against Croatia. However, I can see Tuchel handing Saka a starting place for this match.
Another change that could happen is Marc Guehi replacing Ezri Konsa. England’s defence looked unsettled at times, and Guehi could provide additional stability.
Many people ask, “Why change a winning team?” However, while England secured all three points, there was still room for improvement.
Whether Tuchel makes those changes remains to be seen. What is clear is that he has a ruthless edge and will demand more from his players.
England expected XI: Pickford – James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly – Anderson, Rice – Saka, Bellingham, Gordon – Kane.
Ghana team news
Ghana arrive with a few selection headaches after their dramatic victory over Panama. Those concerns are not only injury-related but also performance-related.
A last-minute winner has a funny way of convincing everyone that the plan was working all along.
The Black Stars showed patience and determination in their opening match. However, they offered very little quality in the final third.
Much of Ghana’s threat will once again come from their athleticism and ability to break quickly after winning possession. England will know they cannot afford to leave space in transition.
Ghana may not enjoy long periods of possession, but they have enough quality throughout the squad to punish any lapse in concentration.
Ghana expected XI: Asare – Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah – Yirenkyi, Partey, Sulemana – Nuamah, Ayew, Semenyo.
England vs Ghana stats
- The Three Lions have won four of their last five competitive international matches.
- England have scored at least two goals in five of their previous seven competitive fixtures.
- Harry Kane has been directly involved in six goals across his last seven appearances for England.
- England have scored in each of their last 10 competitive internationals.
- The Black Stars have lost just one of their last seven competitive international matches.
- Ghana have kept clean sheets in four of their previous six competitive fixtures.
- Three of Ghana’s last five competitive matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
- England and Ghana have met only once at senior international level, with England winning 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley in 2011.
- Both teams arrive with maximum points after their opening group matches and know that another victory would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages.
England vs Ghana prediction
Ghana will not make life easy for England, even if they failed to impress against Panama.
That is probably the first thing worth saying because this feels like the type of match England are expected to win. Yet it could quickly become uncomfortable if they fail to take control early.
England were excellent in spells against Croatia, particularly in the second half. The press was sharp, the passing had purpose and the attack finally looked free to express itself.
Naturally, that means supporters are now only one misplaced pass away from planning the open-top bus parade or demanding a full national inquiry.
There is no middle ground. This is England.
The concern for England is that Ghana are exactly the type of team capable of punishing any lapse in concentration. They are quick, physical and dangerous when games become stretched.
The Black Stars may not dominate possession, but they do not need to. Give them space to attack and the evening could become far more difficult than England would like.
Even so, England should have enough quality.
Harry Kane provides a reliable focal point. Jude Bellingham was superb against Croatia and once again reminded everyone of his immense talent. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka offers the kind of direct threat defenders hate facing.
Ghana will compete. They will battle. Most importantly, they will force England to defend properly, something the Three Lions did not always do against Croatia.
However, if England play with the same freedom they showed in the second half of that opening match, their attacking quality should eventually make the difference.
It may not be routine because England rarely makes things easy for itself. Nevertheless, this squad looks like one that finally believes in its own ability.
Prediction: England 3-0 Ghana
