Following a stunning 4-2 victory over Croatia, England under Tuchel are demonstrating high-level attacking football: Kane, Bellingham, and Rashford have already scored, and the team is creating a plethora of chances. Ghana, by contrast, is looking modest – a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama was secured only in injury time, and in their last seven matches, the Black Stars have just one win and five defeats. Ghana's attacking problems are worsening: the team hasn't scored more than one goal in eight matches, which looks critical against England, who rarely concede (only two goals in four matches).
The main factor favoring a major victory for England is the vast difference in skill and the complete contrast in form. The return of Thomas Partey will strengthen Ghana's defensive midfield, but it won't be enough to contain England, who will dominate the game and pin their opponents in their own half. Ghana lacks the resources to seriously threaten Pickford's goal: their best player, Semenyo, can't decide the outcome of the match single-handedly, and quick counterattacks are unlikely to succeed against the Three Lions' structured defense. Ghana has lost five of its last seven matches, and in all of those defeats, they have scored at least two goals, especially against top opponents (Austria and Germany).
Given their tournament objective—a win guarantees a playoff spot and allows for rotation—England will be as aggressive as possible from the start. England's attacking prowess, combined with Ghana's inconsistent play and modest scoring rate, makes a confident victory more than likely. The Three Lions are expected to easily beat their opponents by at least two goals, confirming their status as favorites.
