Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has described England’s national team as the strongest side in Ghana’s group at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, while expressing confidence that the Black Stars can still advance to the knockout stage.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, in what is expected to be a competitive group. The West African side will begin their campaign against Panama on 17 June before taking on England six days later.
Speaking in New York at the unveiling of Ghana’s World Cup kit by PUMA, Gyan acknowledged England’s quality but emphasised that Ghana’s primary objective is to progress beyond the group phase.
“We are playing against England, we are in the same group. You know, on paper, England of course, one of the best in the world right now,” Gyan told PUMA in New York during the unveiling of the national team Jersey for the World Cup.
“You know but people are optimistic about that game. To play against England. I’m not thinking about playing England, I just want Ghana to qualify from the group stage to go to the next stage of the competition, so we’ll see what happens. But Ghana against England is going to be a very, very good game.”
The 38-year-old, who remains Ghana’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, said expectations among fans are high despite the challenge posed by their opponents. Croatia, finalists in 2018, are also seen as formidable contenders in the group.
Gyan has personal experience facing England, having scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 friendly draw between the two sides in 2011. England had taken the lead through Andy Carroll before Gyan’s intervention ensured a share of the spoils.
Beyond the immediate tournament, Gyan also reflected on his own achievements on football’s biggest stage. He holds the record as Africa’s top scorer in World Cup history, with six goals, and believes it is only a matter of time before another player surpasses that milestone.
“For me, records are set to be broken. So, personally I count myself lucky to be at that level, to score six goals in World Cup history. The only African to score six goals in World Cup history. And yes, the record is there to be broken. So I wish this new generation well, to perform so well. One might come up and break the record.”
Gyan also highlighted the long-standing partnership between Ghana and PUMA, which has been the national team’s kit supplier since 2008. He praised the company’s contribution to Ghanaian football and its role during his playing career.
“PUMA has been our main sponsor for more than a decade. In Ghana, and a World Cup year to have the national team jerseys and everything, and I’m very happy to be a part of it. Personally when I was playing, I was working with PUMA so I know what PUMA has done for me and what PUMA is doing for my country as well, and other countries. So I’m here for PUMA.”
