Three teams have already punched their tickets to the knockout stage of the World Cup, and England will look to join them with a victory against Ghana on Tuesday.
Confidence should be sky-high for Thomas Tuchel’s men following their outstanding 4-2 success against Croatia last week.
Match Preview
Croatia were expected to pose a tough challenge to England in their opening fixture, with the 2018 finalists boasting experience and quality throughout the squad.
Harry Kane struck twice in the opening half, but were pegged back each time by goals from Martin Baturina and Peter Musa.
The Three Lions took firm control after the break, as Jude Bellingham put them ahead with a brilliant run and finish after 47 minutes.
Marcus Rashford left the bench to get on the scoresheet late on, sealing a thrilling 4-2 victory to get their World Cup campaign off to an emphatic start.
Ghana are no traditional powerhouse, but they come into Tuesday’s game on the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 triumph over Panama.
The Black Stars appeared second best to Panama in the opening half, but they improved after the break and popped up with a winner deep in stoppage-time through Caleb Yirenkyi.
Team News
With Buyako Saka’s involvement doubtful, Noni Madueke is expected to start again on the right-hand side of England’s attack.
There are also some concerns regarding the fitness of Declan Rice and Rashford, but the duo were at least able to take part in full training on Saturday.
As for Ghana, first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was substituted at half-time against Panama due to discomfort. Benjamin Asare is poised to take his place in goal against England.
England vs Ghana predicted line-up
England: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Ghana: Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Minseh; Yirenkyi, Partey; Fatawu, Sulemana, Semenyo; Ayew
England vs Ghana prediction
Ghana struggled to breach Panama’s defence for over 90 minutes, so we don’t see their attackers causing England a lot of trouble.
The Three Lions should come away with a convincing victory.
England 3-0 Ghana