By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), June 23, GNA – Some Black Stars fans in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have expressed cautious optimism ahead of team’s high-profile 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L encounter against England.Â
They backed the four-time African champions to spring a major surprise against the European heavyweights at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, United States, on Tuesday, June 23.
Ghana News Agency observed that the mood across the municipality is one of cautious optimism, with many fans hoping the team might raise its performance level significantly following the hard-fought victory over Panama in the Group L opener.
Mr Seth Kwakuvi Azumah, a dedicated fan of the Black Stars, told GNA that Ghana head into the highly anticipated clash on a high hope after securing a 1-0 victory over Panama in their tournament opener, with Caleb Yirenkyi striking late to seal all three points for the team following a brilliant counter-attack engineered by Brandon Thomas-Asante.
“Despite the jubilation that greeted the Panama win in the first group L match opener, we all expressed dissatisfaction with Ghana’s first-half performance, which was described as disjointed and lacking the intensity expected of a side aiming to make an impact at the tournament,” he said
He further expressed belief that the Black Stars have what it takes to pull off a surprise result, and pointed to upset results elsewhere in the tournament as evidence that established football giants are no longer unbeatable at the highest level such as the ongoing World Cup tournament.
He stated that GFA President Kurt Okraku has also struck a confident tone ahead of the fixture, which described Ghana versus England encounter as a derby in the same vein as Ghana versus Nigeria or Hearts of Oak versus Kotoko, and expressed positivity about the outcome.
“We all know the pedigree of Portugal in international football, but if Congo can draw with Portugal, Cape Verde draw with Spain and Uruguay, then Ghana can draw with England or even beat them. We all know the pedigree of Brazil, and if Morocco can draw with Brazil, then it can happen in the Ghana-England game as well.”
He said that there was positive news for Ghana ahead of the encounter as midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad after missing the opening game against Panama, with his experience, composure, and leadership expected to prove crucial against an England side packed with world-class talent.
Meanwhile, GNA picked that England has arrived in Boston in impressive form after claiming a convincing 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening Group L fixture, with Thomas Tuchel’s side producing an attacking masterclass and dominating large spells of the contest to underline their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The fans advised the players and technical coaches that there must be no room for complacency, and stressed that tactical discipline, midfield solidity, and a dramatic lift in physical intensity must be addressed immediately if the team is to compete against the quality of England and chase a historic deep run at the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana and England, who were on the top of the group L table with 3 points each will lock horns on Tuesday, June 23, at 2000 hours at Boston Stadium in USA.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade