Ghana had a dramatic1-0 win over Panama thanks to a stoppage-time goal from 20-year-old Yirenkyi after a hard competition with their opponents on Wednesday, June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

With cautious optimism, Ghanaians look forward to securing a win over England tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23; however, without mincing words, former Ghana international, Nii Odartey Lamptey, says it will be a shock to him if the Black Stars secure a win over England in their crucial Group L clash at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

Both the Black Stars and Three Lions secured a win in their first games with hopes of progressing to the next stage.

Speaking ahead of the match, Mr Lamptey believes that while Ghana has shown resilience, the Three Lions have more depth and experience at the highest level.

“I will be surprised should Black Stars win against England. They are better than us in terms of everything,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

He, however, said he would gladly celebrate if Ghana pulled off a surprise victory.

“I’m a Ghanaian, and if we win, I will celebrate, but on the face of it, I’ll not be surprised if we lose to England,” he added.

Both Ghana and England head into the clash level on three points after winning their opening fixtures.

The Black Stars will wrap up their Group L campaign against the Croatia national football team as they aim to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup squad for Ghana

Ghana's head coach, on June 2, released the final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) published the squad list on its official website and social media platforms.

Following the announcements, Carlos Queiroz addressed journalists at the GFA headquarters in Accra, confirming the names and explaining his selection choices.

The squad announcement came when the Black Stars were preparing for their final preparatory match against Wales in Cardiff later today.

Goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi were omitted from the initial 28-man provisional squad, while vice-captain Alexander Djiku misses out through injury and is replaced by Derrick Luckassen.

Here is the full squad:

Goalkeepers

Benjamin AsareLawrence Ati-ZigiJoseph Anang

Defenders

Baba Abdul RahmanGideon MensahMarvin SenayaAlidu SeiduAbdul MuminJerome OpokuJonas AdjeteyKojo Oppong Nkrumah PreprahDerrick Luckassen

Midfielders

Thomas ParteyElisha OwusuKwasi SiboAugustine BoakyeCaleb YirenkyiAbdul Fatawu IssahakuKamaldeen Sulemana

Forwards

Jordan AyewAntoine SemenyoInaki WilliamsErnest NuamahChristopher Bonsu BaahBrandon Thomas-AsantePrince Kwabena Adu

acknowledged byBlack Stars and Man City forward Antoine Semenyo.

Semenyo on Ghana-England clash Ghana international Antione Semenyo has expressed his opinion about the clash with England.

Speaking to Ghana FA Media, Semenyo indicated that “We know it’s going to be a tough game. I feel like we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. We know we want to win that game, but we know it’s not going to be easy either”.

Consequently, he said the squad will “Make sure we recover well now and make sure we train well leading up to the England game.”

The 26-year-old also expressed excitement about coming up against familiar faces from the English game, describing the fixture as an opportunity for Ghana to make a statement on the world stage.

“It’s going to be different for sure. I’m looking forward to the challenge. I think everyone in the Ghana team is looking forward to it. We want to prove a point. I’m just going to leave that message out there,” he added.