Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has stated that the match he is most excited about at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is Ghana’s group-stage encounter with England, stressing the need for more foreign-based players in the Black Stars squad to boost confidence and presence on the pitch.
Following the official draw, Ghana has been placed in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Speaking to Citi Sports on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Vanderpuye explained that players who are familiar with English football could give Ghana a crucial psychological advantage when they meet the Three Lions.
🎥“I’m looking forward to the Black Stars 🇬🇭 game against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and I want players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Josh Acheampong and Sakyi to be added to the squad.”- Former Sports Minister Nii Lantey Vanderpuye on squad improvement.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/Hg5nMhNvTj
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) February 5, 2026
“The one I’m looking forward to is the match against England.
And that’s why I want not only Semenyo, I want to have Callum Hudson-Odoi, I want to have Josh Acheampong, I want to have Rak-Sakyi… Their presence alone will give us some psychological advantage in that match.
According to him, English players will be more cautious if they come up against footballers they already know and respect from club competitions, while Ghanaian players who compete regularly in England will also better understand their opponents’ style of play.
Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye cited past match-ups involving Bukayo Saka and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as an example of how familiarity between players can influence games.
Look, I’ve said something people don’t want to know… Bukayo Saka always has problems with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka knows him very well… In football it’s always the case. When you know a player, you know what he’s going to do.
He believes building a squad with players who regularly face top-level opposition will not only strengthen Ghana technically but also mentally, especially in high-profile matches such as the anticipated England showdown.
