England
England entered the 2026 World Cup full of optimism hoping to end 60 years of hurt, after 45 minutes that optimism was waining as a poor defensive performance had then level 2-2 with Croatia.
However after the break England released the shackles and produced arguably the best half of football from any nation at the World Cup, Jude Bellingham got them ahead in the 47th min and for a 20 Minute spell they were unplayeable creating numerous chances.
It wasn’t until late on that they secured the win through a Marcus Rashford strike confirming a 4-2 win against the beiggest threat in Group L.
Thomas Tuchel said he wanted his team to go out on their own terms after what appeared to be a nervy first half and that sparked a major surge in the second half. The Three Lions will believe they could go deep this summer if they maintain a similar performance level – and there is growing expectation among their fan base.
Injuries & Team News
There is more optimism over Bukayo Saka who has been nursing an achilles injury, but reports suggest he is closing on full fitness and if he doesn’t start vs Ghana he is likely to against Panama in the final game. Declan Rice was brought of as a precaution vs Croatia but he is expected to play.
It is in defence were change is likely to happen if Tuchel does mix it up, Marc Guehi was a surprise omission against Croatia and he could come back in alongside John Stones with Ezri Konsa making way.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 4-2 vs Croatia | W D L W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Ghana
Ghana were anything but clinical against Panama and can count themselves fortunate the got a late late goal to scrape a 1-0 win. It was even for the most part before Caleb Yirenkyi scored from close range
Carlos Queiroz is the man in charge of the black stars having taken charge in April. They had an underwhelming pre world cup warm up with a 2-0 loss against FIFA World Cup co-hosts Mexico and then a 1-1 draw against an under strength Wales side at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Injuries & Team News
Much of the focus before the Panama game was on Thomas Partey as he was denied entry to Canada due to an ongoing legal issue in England. The Villarreal man has denied all those claims and he will be hoping to face England having been granted entry to the USA.
With Partey back and expected to start that could mean Elisha Owusu has to settle for a place on the bench.
Lawrence Ati Zigi didn’t return for the second half against Panama, but the Ghanaian goalkeeper is expected to be fit to play.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-0 vs Panama | L W W L L L |
Predicted Line-Up
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Minseh; Yirenkyi, Partey; Fatawu, Sulemana, Semenyo; Ayew
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| England Win | 1/4 – (1.25) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 5/1 – (6.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Ghana Win | 12/1 – (13.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
England 3-0 Ghana
England of the second half vs Croatia will be far to much for Ghana to handle. The Black Stars themselves looked toothless vs Panama so might struggle to create chances, England to win this with plenty to spare.