Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has claimed that England’s Three Lions are uneasy about facing the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L, where they will take on Panama, England and Croatia.

The highly anticipated clash between the Three Lions and the Black Stars is scheduled for June 23, 2026, in Boston.

The Black Stars are making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, with their best showing coming at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where they narrowly missed out on a historic semi-final spot. Boateng was a member of that 2010 squad.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Boateng insisted that England would not relish the prospect of playing Ghana.

"England is not tough for us. England is afraid of us," he said.

Read: FIFA WC 2026: Kudus excited to play England in Group L

Despite his confidence, the former midfielder cautioned that Ghana must prioritise a strong start to the tournament, beginning with their opening fixture against Panama, before turning their attention to Thomas Tuchel’s England side.

"The team we have to look at more is Panama, and I feel like we have to make sure we win that game," he added.

Read: FIFA WC 2026: Laryea Kingston assesses Black Stars' 'tough' Group L opponents, warns against underestimating Panama

Otto Addo’s Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Read: FIFA WC 2026: Sports Minister Kofi Adams flags Croatia threat as Ghana eye Group L challenge