England may boast an unbeaten record against African opposition at the FIFA World Cup, but history suggests Ghana have every reason to believe they can challenge Thomas Tuchel’s side when the teams meet in Tuesday’s crucial Group L encounter.
The Three Lions have faced African nations eight times at the World Cup and have never suffered defeat, recording five wins and three draws. From Morocco in 1986 to Senegal in 2022, England have consistently found ways to avoid losing against teams from the continent.
However, a closer look at those results reveals that African sides have often made life uncomfortable for England on football’s biggest stage.
Morocco held England to a goalless draw in Mexico in 1986, while Cameroon pushed Bobby Robson’s side to extra time in a thrilling 1990 quarter-final before eventually losing 3-2. Nigeria and Algeria also frustrated England in 2002 and 2010, respectively, while Tunisia twice pushed the Three Lions close in 1998 and 2018.
Only Senegal in 2022 and Tunisia in 1998 suffered defeats by more than one goal, highlighting how competitive these contests have generally been.
That trend will offer encouragement to Ghana, who enter the match as clear underdogs despite opening their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama.
While England impressed in their 4-2 win over Croatia, they also showed defensive vulnerabilities that Ghana could exploit.
The Three Lions conceded twice and looked uncomfortable at times when Croatia attacked with pace. Ghana possess several players capable of causing similar problems, particularly on the counter-attack.
Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante all thrive when running into open spaces, and Carlos Queiroz is expected to set his team up to take advantage of transition opportunities.
The expected return of Thomas Partey could also prove significant.
The experienced midfielder missed the Panama game after being denied entry into Canada, but is available once again and should bring composure, leadership and defensive protection to Ghana’s midfield.
Jordan Ayew’s relentless work rate could also become an important weapon. The Black Stars captain covered enormous ground against Panama and will likely be tasked with leading Ghana’s press against England’s central defenders.
For Ghana, the key may be accepting that England will dominate possession and focusing instead on limiting the influence of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, arguably the Three Lions’ two most dangerous players.
England’s wide attackers possess quality, but Queiroz may decide that restricting space through the middle is the best route to frustrating the tournament favourites.
With both teams sitting on three points after their opening matches, the stakes could hardly be higher. England are favourites, and Opta’s supercomputer gives Ghana less than an eight per cent chance of victory.
Yet African teams have repeatedly shown they can compete with England on the World Cup stage. On Tuesday in Foxborough, Ghana will attempt to become the first to finally beat them.