Ghana forward Brandon Thomas Asante is confident the Black Stars will pick up win against England on Tuesday. “We all want to win.”
Spoken with the steady assurance of a player who has overcome long odds to reach this moment, those words from the Black Stars’ number 10 encapsulate the focused hunger coursing through the entire Ghana camp as they prepare for one of the marquee fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L.
Facing England on Tuesday evening at Gillette Stadium in Boston, Thomas-Asante and his teammates refuse to be overawed by reputation or star power. Instead, they carry the quiet conviction that collective desire, tactical discipline, and national pride can produce the result every Ghanaian is yearning for.
The powerfully built striker, dreadlocks often flying as he charges forward, has emerged as a vital figure for Carlos Queiroz’s side in this tournament. Born and raised in England, where he battled through the non-league system before making his mark at clubs like Coventry City,
Thomas-Asante chose to represent the land of his heritage. That choice has already borne fruit. In Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama, he came off the bench and provided the decisive assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s late winner in a gritty 1-0 victory. That result not only secured three crucial points but also injected momentum and belief into a squad still knitting itself together after a period of transition.
Now comes the sternest test yet. England arrive in Boston as heavy favourites, fresh from an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia that highlighted their attacking brilliance through the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka, while also revealing occasional defensive lapses under Thomas Tuchel.
The Three Lions boast Premier League rhythm, superior depth, and generations of World Cup pedigree. Yet Thomas-Asante’s simple declaration cuts through the narrative of inevitability. “We all want to win” is not mere optimism—it is a reminder that on any given night, especially at a World Cup, heart and unity can bridge the widest gaps.
Thomas-Asante himself knows the English players well from domestic encounters, yet he wears the Black Stars badge with unmistakable pride. His journey from humble beginnings to starring on football’s biggest stage adds authenticity to every word he speaks. There are no illusions about the challenge ahead, but neither is there fear.
The camp’s atmosphere is one of respectful preparation mixed with steely determination. Training sessions have been sharp, recovery meticulous, and team meetings purposeful. They respect England’s quality but believe their own blend of organisation, work-rate, and moments of magic can deliver a positive outcome.