Thomas Tuchel’s England confirmed the lineup for the duel against Ghana this Tuesday (23), in the second round of Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game takes place at the Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, in the United States, from 5pm (Brasília time), and is broadcast live on SBT.
Tuchel made two changes to the defense in relation to the 4-2 victory over Croatia in the debut. Marc Guéhi replaces John Stones in defense, and Djed Spence takes over on the side in place of Nico O’Reilly. The rest of the starting lineup continues with the base that worked in the first game.
England formation (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Djed Spence; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane (captain).
Ghana formation (4-3-3)
Benjamin Asare; Maxime Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jonathan Opoku, Gideon Mensah; Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, K. Sibo; I. Williams, Jordan Ayew (captain), Antoine Semenyo.
Coach Carlos Queiroz maintains the block that guaranteed the 1-0 victory over Panama in the opening round. Thomas Partey stands out in midfield, while Semenyo and Ayew lead the Africans’ fast attack.
What’s at stake in Group L
England leads the group with three points and a positive balance after the rout in the debut. A victory against Ghana practically guarantees early qualification for the round of 16. Ghana, also with three points, needs to add to stay in the fight for the place and complicate life for the English.
Historically, the teams have faced each other few times in official games. England has never beaten Ghana in senior team duels — the last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in 2011. This fuels expectations of a balanced clash, despite English favoritism.
Injuries and bench
England are without Tino Livramento, injured in his thigh. On the bench, names like Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins and John Stones are available for changes. Ghana has an experienced squad, with Partey as a reference for balance.
Why the game matters
A victory for England could seal first place in the group and avoid tougher clashes in the knockout stage. For Ghana, the positive result keeps the dream of advancing alive and reinforces Africa’s good moment in the competition. The duel brings together European talent against the physical strength and speed of the Ghanaians.