Predicted England XI vs Ghana: Thomas Tuchel has made up his mind on three big calls

England will be aiming to take a significant step towards the World Cup knockouts as they take on Ghana in Boston and Thomas Tuchel appears to have worked out his selection headaches

Thomas Tuchel could stick with a winning formula against Ghana. The England boss was happy with the second half display against Croatia and may name an unchanged starting XI for England’s second group match in Boston.

Bukayo Saka trained fully on Sunday but Tuchel has already hinted he may not start with the Arsenal winger until the third game with Panama to manage his Achilles issue.

Marc Guehi has been pushing for a start but Tuchel may stick with the two centre halves – Ezri Konsa and John Stones – who played against Croatia.

The only other dilemma is on the left wing but Marcus Rashford complained of a hamstring issue after Croatia which means Anthony Gordon is likely to keep his place.

Regardless of the side he picks, England boss Tuchel will certainly be hoping for a more cohesive first-half against Ghana. The Three Lions struggled particularly in defence against Croatia before the break.

But an inspired half-time team talk saw England produce what was arguably one of their most impressive displays at a major tournament.

Revealing what he said to his players, the German coach said: “I said even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days. But let’s do it our way.

“We’re too focused on the result, too focused on protecting what we anyway don’t have at the moment. The second goal was just an example. I think we were a back seven and we didn’t defend the goal. So why be a back seven anyway?

“If something happens, the result doesn’t go our way, we want to play this match the way we want to and the way we were together for 17 days. I just tried to encourage them to go for it.”

Following their clash with Ghana, England will then turn their attention to their final group game against Panama in New Jersey. Should they go through as group winners, England will then take on a third-placed team in either Group E, H, I, J or K in Atlanta. If they finish as runners-up, they will face the runners up of Group K in Toronto.

England probable: Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

The nation is holding its breath as England take on next rival Ghana in the World Cup 2026, and we’ve got a FREE £3 bet inside your favourite paper on Tuesday June 23, 2026 valid on all football – including the big match!