England is preparing to face Ghana in their second World Cup group game on Tuesday in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Three Lions aim to secure top spot in Group L, having started their campaign with a victory against Croatia. Ghana also secured three points in their opening fixture against Panama.
The match could be significant for several England players. Jude Bellingham is poised to make his 50th appearance for England, potentially becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone at 22 years and 359 days. Additionally, Harry Kane is close to surpassing Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer if he finds the net.
England’s attacking approach and set-piece strength
England’s performance against Croatia showcased their attacking intent, with 20 shots, 11 of which were on target. Key players like Harry Kane, who had 7 shots with 3 on target, and Jude Bellingham, with 3 shots and 2 on target, were heavily involved. Nico O’Reilly and Ezri Konsa each contributed 2 shots, with 1 on target.
Set-pieces were a notable strength for England in their first match, recording the highest set-piece expected goals (xG) of any team on matchday one. This suggests that corners and free-kicks could again be crucial for breaking down Ghana’s defense. Players such as Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke are expected to be tasked with winning these set-plays.
Ghana’s defense is anticipated to play deep, which could lead to a busy night for players like Antoine Semenyo, who committed two fouls in Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama. Semenyo, a winger for Manchester City, will likely be assisting his full-back defensively, a role consistent with his club average this season.
Potential lineup and historical context
England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, might opt for a similar lineup to the one that faced Croatia. Jordan Pickford is expected to remain in goal, with Reece James at right-back and Nico O’Reilly at left-back. The central defense could feature John Stones and Ezri Konsa, who partnered in the previous game.
In midfield, Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are likely to form the core. Anderson was a top performer against Croatia, winning possession eight times, more than any other England player. Upfront, Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Harry Kane are all candidates to start, with Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford potentially making an impact from the bench.
This match marks the first time England and Ghana will meet in a World Cup. Their only previous encounter was a 1-1 friendly draw in March 2011. England has a strong record against African teams in the World Cup, remaining unbeaten with five wins and three draws across previous tournaments.
Ghana’s manager, Carlos Queiroz, previously faced England in the 2022 World Cup group stage, where his Iran side lost 6-2. The Opta supercomputer predicts England as strong favorites, winning in 78.8% of simulations, with a draw at 13.3% and a Ghana win at 7.9%.
The winner of this match will guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. If England wins, and Croatia defeats Panama in the other Group L match, England will confirm top spot in the group.
Source: sportinglife.com
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