Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz has issued a defiant challenge to England ahead of their crucial World Cup encounter.
The high-stakes Group L clash sees Ghana aiming to advance with a game to spare, and Queiroz has talked up his side’s chances.
England arrive with a certain swagger, fresh from a 4-2 victory over Croatia that highlighted Thomas Tuchel’s attacking prowess but also revealed defensive vulnerabilities, tempering expectations.
Meanwhile, Ghana, having demonstrated discipline and danger in their 1-0 win against Panama, now have the opportunity to transform a promising start into a significant statement.
A win for Ghana would guarantee their spot in the next round, though a draw could also prove sufficient to see them through to the Round of 32.
Both teams currently sit on three points in Group L, with England holding a superior goal difference. Croatia and Panama are yet to register any points, with the top two from each group, alongside the eight best third-placed teams, progressing.
Queiroz, making his fifth World Cup appearance as a coach, having previously led Portugal and Iran, brings a wealth of experience, including a stint under Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in the early 2000s. He believes this insight into English football will be invaluable.
“We have a great match in front of us,” Queiroz told a press conference. “This is what we are looking for all our lives, to be in the right environment and at the right time and to play against the best players in the world.”
Queiroz believes the whole of Ghana, a country of approximately 33 million people, will be behind his team.
“We know how England play. They have excellent players, they have the experience of their Premier League. They have intensity but we know how we can control this. We know they have three lions but we have 33 million lions.”
The Portuguese coach emphasised his team’s objective: “We are in this competition for points. It is to get the points in order to qualify. That is the most important thing for us.”
Promising an enthralling contest, Queiroz concluded: “Trust me, huge entertainment on the pitch. We belong to the entertainment business. We are going to fight, play and enjoy. I guarantee you the match will be in the memories and hearts of people when it finishes.”
