WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Callum Hudson-Odoi of England (centre) celebrates his goal with Eddie Nketiah during the UEFA Euro Under 21 Qualifier match between England U21 and Albania U21 at Molineux on November 17, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus)

Presence of English-born stars in Black Stars will give us advantage' – Vanderpuye on England clash

· GhanaSoccernet

Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has argued that including players born or raised in England will provide Ghana with a unique advantage when the two nations meet in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Vanderpuye stressed that this strategy is not just about talent but about psychological warfare.

"Their presence alone will give us some psychological advantage in that match," he said, referring to players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Eddie Nketiah, Josh Acheampong, and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. He believes that when English opponents face players they know and respect from domestic competition, they will be more cautious.

The former minister used a direct example from the English Premier League to illustrate his point. "Bukayo Saka always has problems with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka knows him very well… When you know a player, you know what he's going to do," he explained.

Ghana will face England on June 23, 2026, in a match many see as pivotal to their chances of progressing from a tough Group L.

Vanderpuye's comments reflect a broader strategy to blend top-tier international experience with the squad's existing core, aiming to level the playing field against one of the tournament's favourites through the powerful element of familiarity.