Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged his players to embrace the sacrifices required to succeed at the FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars prepare for a crucial Group L meeting with England.
The four-time African champions face the Three Lions on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, seeking to build on an impressive start to their tournament campaign. Ghana opened their World Cup journey with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a stoppage-time winner that secured all three points and sparked celebrations among Ghanaian supporters.
That result leaves the Black Stars in a strong position heading into one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage. However, Queiroz has made it clear that his side will need to be prepared for a stern examination against an England team that began the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, the experienced Portuguese coach emphasised the demands of competing at football’s highest level and the mentality he believes is required to achieve success.
“To suffer and play. We have to suffer; there is no other way. We must be ready to make sacrifices. You have to be ready to pay the price because a win in this World Cup is very expensive. But the boys are ready to pay that price. Very expensive,” Queiroz told reporters.
The comments reflect the approach that has defined much of Queiroz’s coaching career. Widely respected for his tactical organisation and defensive expertise, the 73-year-old has built a reputation for assembling disciplined teams capable of competing against technically gifted opponents.
Ghana’s victory over Panama highlighted many of those qualities. The Black Stars displayed discipline, resilience and strong organisation before finding a late breakthrough to claim victory. Those same characteristics are likely to be required again against England.
The Three Lions, managed by Thomas Tuchel, began their campaign with a win over Croatia but also revealed defensive weaknesses by conceding twice. While England possess an array of high-profile talent, Queiroz appears focused less on individual opponents and more on ensuring his own players remain committed to the tactical and mental demands of the contest.
Ghana are expected to rely on a compact defensive structure while looking to create opportunities on the counterattack. It is an approach that could allow them to take advantage of any spaces left by England while remaining difficult to break down.
Queiroz also has a number of experienced and influential players available. Midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to provide stability in the centre of the pitch, while captain Jordan Ayew will be tasked with leading the side. Forwards Antoine Semenyo and Kamaldeen Sulemana, together with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, are also expected to play important roles as Ghana attempt to secure one of the standout results of the group stage.
The stakes are significant for both teams, but particularly for Ghana. Having already collected three points against Panama, another victory would place the Black Stars in a commanding position in Group L and significantly strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout phase before their final group match against Croatia on 27 June.
For Queiroz, the challenge facing his team is straightforward in principle, even if difficult in practice. Ghana must remain disciplined, trust their game plan and be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to compete with one of the tournament favourites.
Should they succeed, the Black Stars could take another major step towards qualification and add a memorable new chapter to their World Cup story.
