World Cup 2026: England's predicted lineup vs Ghana

GK - Jordan Pickford

Despite not necessarily putting in his best performance against Croatia, Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed number one for England, and we strongly expect him to start again against Ghana - earning his 86th cap.

The Everton shot-stopper could've done better with Croatia's opening goal last week, but still made three saves over the course of the 90 minutes, and with such extensive experience on the biggest stage, he's still bound to be Thomas Tuchel's man whenever the match has any real importance.

RB - Reece James

Another player who perhaps didn't have his best game in the Group L opener, losing his man for Croatia's second equaliser, Reece James is likely to retain his place in the starting XI against Ghana, with the Chelsea man comfortably England's strongest right-back.

Having won a decent haul of trophies now, including a Champions League under Thomas Tuchel, his experience on the biggest stages is crucial to this England side, and as such a favorite for the manager, it would be a real surprise to see James start on the bench here.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Having proven himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent defenders in the last few seasons, Ezri Konsa has been a huge part of Aston Villa's recent success, and we're expecting him to keep his place for England's second game of the 2026 World Cup.

The 28-year-old has won 21 caps since making his debut in 2024, and having played every minute against Croatia, he may just be emerging as Thomas Tuchel's number-one centre-back - with his pace and composure bringing a real calmness to the Three Lions backline.

CB - Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi was a surprise omission from the starting lineup vs Croatia, with John Stones getting the nod, but with his Man City teammate now having to recover after playing 87 minutes for just the third time in 2026, we're tipping Guehi to be reinstated here - earning his first World Cup start.

Guehi's 30 caps provide him with more than enough experience to start in the England backline, just as he did at Euro 2024, and with the 25-year-old boasting all the qualities to cope with Ghana's challenging frontline - which includes club teammate Antoine Semenyo - we're expecting Tuchel to start him alongside Konsa in this one.

LB - Nico O'Reilly

Lining up next to his Man City teammate, Nico O'Reilly seems primed to make just his seventh appearance for England against Ghana, with the 21-year-old already proving his worth at the very highest level for club and country.

With such an imposing frame and the ability to step into midfield, O'Reilly offers a really useful dimension to England at both ends of the pitch, and as he gains more experience, he's only going to get better and better - so he gets the nod ahead of Djed Spence again for us.

CM - Elliot Anderson

Our player to watch from an England point of view, Elliot Anderson just keeps going from strength to strength, with another excellent performance in the middle of the park against Croatia - and we would be hugely surprised if he wasn't in England starting XI against Ghana on Tuesday.

As assist for Jude Bellingham's goal highlighted just how well-rounded Anderson is, with numerous tackles and duels also being won, so this England team would lose far too much without him. He's 50% of one of the best midfield pairings at the entire 2026 World Cup, so we don't expect him to be rested here.

CM - Declan Rice

The other half of that incredible midfield pairing is, of course, Declan Rice, who also grabbed an assist in England's opening-day win against Croatia last week.

The Arsenal man is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Thomas Tuchel, with his energy, power, and quality making it almost impossible to leave him out - even if he was feeling his calf slightly against the Croatians. Kobbie Mainoo definitely isn't a bad option, but as England's best midfielder, Declan Rice is in our predicted XI once again to take on Ghana.

LW - Anthony Gordon

Despite Marcus Rashford coming off the bench to grab a goal in England's World Cup opener, Anthony Gordon's electric pace and endless energy make him such a valuable option on that left-hand side, and with it working to such great effect last week, we're tipping him to get the nod again in this one.

The new Barcelona man has all the attributes that full-backs hate to face, and the idea of him running the defence ragged before introducing Rashford certainly isn't the worst, so Ladbrokes is anticipating a repeat of that substitution at some point too - with Gordon earning his 21st England cap.

CAM - Jude Bellingham

After so much talk of a Jude Bellingham vs Morgan Rogers battle, it was the former who started against Croatia, and having put in such an excellent performance - which included the crucial third goal - he's in-line to start again against Ghana.

Rogers did have a decent impact off the bench, and will get plenty of gametime as the tournament progresses, but when you have a talent as special as Jude Bellingham, you simply can't leave him out. He's all-action, supremely confident, and carries a genuine goal threat, so we're expecting the Real Madrid man to start - earning what will already be his 50th cap at just 22 years old.

RW - Bukayo Saka

This is the big call for Thomas Tuchel, because while Noni Madueke put in a decent performance last week - winning a penalty - the quality of Bukayo Saka was ultimately missed, and his impact off the bench suggests he could be ready for a start.

Saka got the assist for Marcus Rashford's late goal, and does offer a much more reliable outlet than his Arsenal teammate Madueke when England launch their counter-attacks - which they did consistently in the Group L opener. He may not quite be 100% fit, but he looks ready to impress, so we're tipping Bukayo Saka to return to the England starting XI.

ST - Harry Kane

Finally, Harry Kane. The England captain's brace saw him equal Gary Lineker's record-breaking World Cup tally last week, and as long as he's putting in performances like that, there's no way he's ever getting dropped by manager Tuchel.

Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are decent options, but they aren't England's all-time top scoring, talismanic captain, so you won't find many people expecting Kane to be rested here. Three points are crucial for the Three Lions, so the skipper will be the first name on the teamsheet.

For those interested, we've also produced a more in-depth match preview for England vs Ghana, including our bet builder tips for the Three Lions' latest World Cup match.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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