Former Black Stars forward Augustine Arhinful has expressed optimism that the senior national team can beat England.

Ghana has been paired alongside the Three Lions alongside Panama, and Croatia in Group L of the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Arhinful expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to compete with the top sides.

"Before the draw was conducted, I granted an interview, and I said I wanted Ghana to meet England," he said.

"I was even speaking to the UK High Commissioner and told him I wanted us to meet England. He said no, because if they lose to us, his people won’t be happy," he said.

Despite the strength of the English side, Arhinful believes Ghana can go toe-to-toe with them.

"It’s football. I’ve always felt we can match the English team boot-for-boot. At the end of the day, if you prepare well, your strategy works and a little luck comes your way, you can win any game," he added.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before taking on England on June 23 in Boston, and concluding group play against 2018 finalists Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

The 2026 tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, following their campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best run coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.

Having exited in the group phase in the last edition in Qatar, the Black Stars are bent on going past the group phase of the World Cup.