Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien says he hopes the Black Stars defeat England when the two sides meet in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the tournament, Essien admitted the fixture will be a difficult one but backed Ghana to rise to the occasion against the Three Lions.
“I think it is going to be a great game and everyone is looking forward to see that match. And I hope Ghana beat England though,” he said.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama for the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Essien, who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, believes the current Black Stars squad has enough quality to compete strongly despite the difficulty of the group.
The two senior men’s national teams last met in an international friendly on March 29, 2011, at Wembley Stadium in London. The historic encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, with Andy Carroll scoring for England before Asamoah Gyan grabbed a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser for Ghana.
“I hope Ghana will beat England”
Former Black Stars and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien previews the upcoming World Cup clash between Ghana and England.#CitiSports (Video Credit:@SkySports)
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