World Cup 2026: Ghana refuse to be overawed as Black Stars brace for England test

Ghana head into their heavyweight Group L clash against England insisting they will not be intimidated by reputation or pedigree, with confidence rising after a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Carlos Queiroz, the experienced Portuguese tactician, is steering Ghana through his fifth World Cup appearance, bringing decades of tournament know-how to a squad blending youth and power. His side arrive in Foxborough after a dramatic opening win over Panama, secured by a late strike from Caleb Yirenkyi.

Opponents England national football team also began strongly, with Harry Kane delivering a statement performance in a 4-2 win over Croatia, underlining the attacking threat Ghana must contain.

The meeting at Gillette Stadium now carries knockout-stage stakes, with victory likely sealing progression.

McDermott: ‘We are not overawed’

Assistant coach Mick McDermott, part of Queiroz’s trusted backroom team, made clear that Ghana’s mentality will not shift under pressure, even against elite opposition managed by Thomas Tuchel.

“They have quality players firing on all cylinders and we know it’s going to be a massive challenge but it’s called the World Cup for a reason,” he told BBC Sport.

“Our boys play for big clubs in big games. We’re not overawed by playing England, the boys have belief and it depends how we show up. When the curtain opens you have to dance and I think the boys are more than capable of getting a result.”

McDermott’s message reflects Ghana’s growing confidence within the group, where resilience and attacking pace have become defining traits rather than cautious underdog habits.

Semenyo tipped as Ghana’s decisive weapon

Attention has also turned to Antoine Semenyo, who arrives in strong form after finishing the 2025/26 Premier League season with 17 goals. The forward is viewed internally as a potential difference-maker capable of stretching elite defences.

“I’ve not been around someone as humble as him. In terms of his football talent, he’s probably as explosive a player I’ve seen to go from a jog to full tilt, he’s really powerful.

“He has the ability, if he’s on his game, to hurt any full-back in the world, but we have five or six with that same pace and those are nice weapons to have.”

With England’s attack led by Harry Kane and Ghana armed with pace and belief, the stage is set for a high-stakes collision that could define Group L.