Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has urged the Black Stars to adopt a different tactical approach when they face England in their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure all three points. The Black Stars now turn their attention to a much sterner test against England on June 23 in Foxborough.
Speaking to GTV SportsPlus, Boateng, who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, stressed that England will pose a completely different challenge from Panama.
“I think we have to focus on the next game and see what we can get. We have to try and get points in the two games left,” he said.
“The England game is going to be different. They are going to press us more because they have different types of players. They are not just going to keep the ball; they are going to press us, create chances and they have players who can finish.”
England began their campaign in impressive fashion with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, underlining the attacking threat that Ghana must contain.
Boateng believes the anticipated return of Thomas Partey could be crucial in helping Ghana cope with England’s intensity.
“We need him, we really, really need him in the game because you can see that in midfield we don’t have a leader who can control the game, slow the game down and move the ball for us,” Boateng explained.
“I feel it will be very good for us if he comes back and helps the team because we need him.”
The former Black Stars midfielder also reflected on Ghana’s previous encounters with England, warning that the Three Lions remain one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
“England is a good team. I quite remember when we played against them in England; it was a different game. It’s tough, so I think we have to get ready, go back and watch the clips, check the mistakes, correct them and come back stronger.”
Ghana and England sitting on three points each after their opening matches after their respective wins. ThefMonday’s clash could prove decisive in determining who takes control of Group L ahead of the final round of fixtures. Ghana will conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 as they aim to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.
