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Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has described facing England at the World Cup as the “easiest type of match” to approach, saying the quality and reputation of their opponents naturally gives players the motivation to perform.
The 73-year-old Portuguese manager, who took charge of Ghana in April, is appearing at his fifth World Cup and his first with the Black Stars. He previously led Iran at three World Cups and also managed clubs including Real Madrid while serving as an assistant coach at Manchester United.
Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama and can secure a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 2010 with a win over England in Boston on Tuesday.
Reflecting on his previous World Cup encounter with England, a 6-2 defeat while coaching Iran at the 2022 tournament, Queiroz said the experience belonged in the past and had served as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.
He stressed that past results and reputations do not determine match outcomes, insisting that every game presents a new challenge.
England made an impressive start to their Group L campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, although defensive vulnerabilities were exposed during the contest.
Queiroz said matches against teams such as England, France or Germany are easier from a motivational standpoint because players naturally rise to the occasion. According to him, the coaching staff’s task is to channel that enthusiasm and ensure the team remains disciplined and united throughout the match.
“This is the easiest type of match, because when you’re about to play against England, France or Germany, you don’t need to say anything to the players. They’re fully motivated,” said Queiroz.
The Ghana coach added that while England may carry the Three Lions emblem, Ghana also possesses its own fighting spirit, saying millions of Ghanaians would be backing the team.
“We know they have the three lions on their shirt, but we come from Ghana and have 33 million lions… to fight for this game,” he added.
Queiroz is expected to welcome midfielder Thomas Partey back into the squad after he missed the opening match because of visa issues.
He also revealed that a late decision would be made on goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who suffered an injury during the victory over Panama.
