England vs Ghana: Confirmed Black Stars Lineup as Thomas Partey Starts
- Thomas Partey makes his first start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing Ghana's opener against Panama due to travel restrictions
- Benjamin Asare also replaces Lawrence Ati Zigi in goal, with Inaki Williams and Kwasi Sibo also coming into the starting XI
- Ghana are unbeaten in their second group games at the World Cup, and any result other than defeat could secure a place in the next round
- A CAF License 'A' coach highlighted the importance of Partey's return to Black Stars lineup in an interview with YEN.com.gh
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has named his starting XI for the Black Stars' 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F clash against England, with Thomas Partey returning to the team for the first time in the tournament.
Partey, who missed Ghana's opening 1-0 victory over Panama after being denied entry into Canada due to his ongoing legal issues in the United Kingdom, comes straight back into the starting lineup, replacing Elisha Owusu in midfield.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana's starting XI vs England
Benjamin Asare gets the nod in goal ahead of Lawrence Ati Zigi despite the St Gallen glovesman returning to training after picking up an injury during the Panama match.
According to Ghana Sports Online, Asare has now become the first domestic-based goalkeeper to start a World Cup match for the Black Stars.
Inaki Williams also earns a recall, replacing Ernest Nuamah in attack, while Kwasi Sibo comes in for Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Queiroz has set his side up in a 4-3-3 formation as Ghana targets early qualification for the knockout stage.
Below is Ghana's confirmed lineup:
Asare; Mensah, Opoku, Adjetey, Senaya; Partey, Sibo, Yirenkyi; Semenyo, Ayew, Williams.
Why is Partey's return a major boost?
For many Ghanaian fans, Thomas Partey's return to the starting lineup comes as a significant boost ahead of the crucial clash.
Former Karela United and Swedru All Blacks coach Prince George Koffie echoed that sentiment in an interview with YEN.com.gh:
"It is public knowledge what Partey brings to the table, and coming up against an England side that dominated Croatia, a team featuring the likes of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, his return could not have come at a better time.
Coach Koffie added: "I expect him to provide the defensive cover, shield the backline when Ghana are out of possession, and help initiate attacks from deep.
"He may no longer have the legs to shuttle endlessly between defence and attack, but his football intelligence, developed through years of competing at the highest level, will be crucial against players like Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson."
Source: Getty Images
What Ghana needs against England
Meanwhile, Ghana enter the fixture on the back of a winning start and with a strong second-game record at the World Cup, remaining unbeaten in their second group games across the tournament's history, with two wins and two draws, per the Olympics.
However, England presents a formidable test. The Three Lions are undefeated in eight World Cup outings against African nations, recording five wins and three draws.
Despite the challenge, the stakes are clear for the Black Stars. Any result other than a defeat in this fixture could all but guarantee Ghana's progression to the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Queiroz and his side fully aware of the opportunity in front of them.
England vs Ghana: Hudson-Odoi predicts outcome
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Callum Hudson-Odoi shared his prediction for Ghana's World Cup clash with England, describing it as a special occasion because of his ties to both nations.
The Nottingham Forest winger said his Ghanaian heritage and English upbringing make the fixture particularly meaningful to him.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.
Prince George Koffie (CAF License 'A' International Football Coach) Prince George Koffie is a seasoned CAF License "A" Professional Football Coach with three decades of experience, ranging from grassroots development to international competitions, including a CAF Champions League campaign. He excels in both player development and competitive tactical coaching.
