England will aim to become one of the latest major teams to secure a place in the World Cup knockout rounds on Tuesday when they face Ghana in a decisive Group L encounter.
A day after Argentina and France confirmed their progression to the last 32, England head into their fixture knowing that a victory will guarantee qualification to the next stage of the tournament.
The Three Lions opened their campaign with a confident 4–2 win over Croatia, a result that has boosted morale within the squad as they continue their push for a first major international trophy in 60 years.
Captain Harry Kane scored twice in the opening match, while Jude Bellingham also found the net, underlining England’s attacking strength under manager Thomas Tuchel.
Midfielder Declan Rice said the team must maintain the intensity shown in the second half against Croatia if they are to compete with the world’s best.
“We know as players the level, we know what’s required, and that second-half performance was probably the benchmark for us,” Rice said.
“We believe that if we can do that from the opening minute… we can beat any opponent in the world.”
Tuchel, meanwhile, has urged his squad to embrace the pressure of a World Cup campaign, noting the mental demands placed on elite players at this stage of the competition.
“There are emotions involved and you can at some point feel the tension and feel the pressure. I hope we can cope with it, accept it and turn it around,” the England coach said.
England will also be alert to the threat posed by Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, who has emerged as a key attacking figure for the Black Stars.
Ghana, who defeated Panama 1–0 in their opening match, could also secure early qualification with a win at Foxborough, just outside Boston.
In the same group, Croatia face elimination pressure, with captain Luka Modric set to make his 200th international appearance in a landmark match that places him among the most capped male players in football history.
Elsewhere, Portugal will attempt to revive their campaign when they face Uzbekistan in Houston after a disappointing 1–1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening match.
Despite arriving as one of the tournament favourites, Portugal have faced criticism following a subdued performance from captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has now gone 10 major tournament matches without scoring.
Coach Roberto Martinez has continued to back the 41-year-old forward, describing him as a vital influence within the squad.
“He’s a good example for us, for all of us,” Martinez said.
“So he really wants to keep on improving, to contribute to the team, and he’s really a role model for our team.”
However, Martinez declined to confirm whether Ronaldo would start against Uzbekistan, a side competing in their first World Cup appearance and expected to face a difficult test.
The Portugal coach said the team’s frustration from their opening draw could serve as motivation as they seek their first win of the tournament.
“The feeling of disappointment after the game is probably the best starting point to prepare for the next game,” he added.
With qualification spots beginning to take shape across multiple groups, Tuesday’s fixtures could play a decisive role in shaping the knockout stage lineup.
