Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng believes England are far from comfortable about a potential clash with the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Three Lions view Ghana as a serious threat rather than an underdog.
Ghana have been placed in Group L for the expanded tournament and will cross paths with England in their second group match, scheduled for June 23 in Boston. The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before wrapping up the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Reflecting on the high-profile matchup, Boateng, who represented Ghana at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, dismissed the notion that England hold the upper hand.
Speaking to Sporty FM, the former Getafe and Deportivo La Coruña midfielder suggested the psychological pressure is on Thomas Tuchel’s side.
“England is not tough for us. England is afraid of us,” Boateng declared.
While projecting confidence ahead of the encounter with England, the ex-international was quick to underline that Ghana’s World Cup journey will hinge on discipline and focus from the very start. In his view, the opening fixture against Panama carries greater immediate importance than the glamour tie that follows.
“The team we have to look at more is Panama, and I feel like we have to make sure we win that game,” he added.
Ghana’s meeting with England will come on the back of that opener, a sequence Boateng believes could shape the entire group dynamic if handled correctly.
The Black Stars head into the 2026 tournament eager to rewrite recent World Cup history. After early exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, expectations are higher this time around, especially with the tournament’s new 48-team format offering greater room to progress.
