England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that his side will face a stern challenge when they meet Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Three Lions were drawn into Group L during Friday’s ceremony in Washington, a group that promises intensity with Croatia and Panama also in the mix.
Tuchel, speaking to BBC Sport on the sidelines of the draw, highlighted the strength of both Ghana and Croatia, describing the pair as seasoned competitors on football’s biggest stage.
His immediate reaction underlined the magnitude of England’s task in navigating a group filled with experienced World Cup regulars.
“Difficult opener, difficult group. With Croatia and Ghana, two regulars at World Cups and two proud, strong nations,” Tuchel said.
While acknowledging the threat posed by the Black Stars, the England manager maintained confidence in his team’s quality and readiness. He noted that his approach to tournament football has always centred on respect for opponents and a drive to top the group.
“For me, I’ve only experienced group football in Champions League formats, and the approach was always to give it maximum respect and focus on winning the group. It always looks tough — just like our group now — but we’re confident, and we’ll be fully prepared when we arrive,” Tuchel added.
For Ghana, the challenge is equally significant. Head coach Otto Addo faces the task of preparing a competitive and disciplined side capable of standing toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s strongest teams. To reach the knockout phase, the Black Stars will need resilience, tactical precision and a bold performance against a highly rated England side.
