Former Black Stars player Augustine Arhinful has expressed confidence that the senior national team can sucessfully take on England in Group L.

Ghana will face Panama before England, and then take on Croatia, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The games will be hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico.

"Before the draw was conducted, I granted an interview, and I said I wanted Ghana to meet England," Arhinful told Citi FM.

The former Black Stars forward emphasised his optimism, but cautioned the Black Stars had to adequately prepare if they would see victory against England.

"It’s football. I’ve always felt we can match the English team boot-for-boot. At the end of the day, if you prepare well, your strategy works and a little luck comes your way, you can win any game," he added.

He said the UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, was wary of England's Three Lions playing against Ghana.

"I was even speaking to the UK High Commissioner and told him I wanted us to meet England. He said no, because if they lose to us, his people won’t be happy," Arhinful said.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before taking on England on June 23 in Boston, and concluding group play against 2018 finalists Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Other notable former Black Stars players like Asamoah Gyan and Laryea Kingston have all noted how tough Group L is going to be, however, maintaining their confidence in the team led by Coach Otto Addo.

This is going to be Ghana's fifth showing at the global showpiece. At their fourth, they exited at the group stage during Qatar 2022.

The team's best run remains South Africa 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.