Former Ghana international Michael Essien believes the Black Stars have every chance of shocking England when the two nations collide at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The ex-midfield powerhouse shared his thoughts ahead of the much-anticipated Group L encounter, a fixture already generating huge excitement among football fans across the globe.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Essien admitted the contest would be one of the standout matches of the group phase, but he is firmly backing Ghana to rise to the occasion against the Three Lions.
“I think it’s going to be a great game. A great match that everyone is looking forward to seeing. Hopefully, it will be a good one, and the best team should win,” Essien said before adding with a smile, “I hope Ghana beat them.”
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England’s final squad selection for the tournament has sparked widespread discussion after several notable stars, including Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire, were left out of the travelling party.
Despite the surprising omissions, Essien insisted England still possess enormous quality and enough talent to compete strongly in the tournament:
“On a serious note, I think they have assembled the best players they could to represent the country, so yeah, it’s going to be an exciting one. We just have to sit back and enjoy the show.”
Ghana will begin their World Cup journey against Panama on June 17 before taking on England six days later in what is expected to be a decisive Group L showdown. The Black Stars will then conclude the first round with a difficult clash against Croatia on June 27.
For Essien, the meeting with England carries extra emotional weight given his successful spell in the Premier League with Chelsea FC, where he established himself as one of the league’s most dominant midfielders.
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Even so, the former Ghana star remains hopeful the Black Stars can produce a memorable performance on football’s biggest stage and give supporters something special to celebrate.
