Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has urged the Ghana Football Association to include English-born players in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana, drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
The tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will see the Black Stars aim for a strong showing on the global stage.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Vanderpuye said the inclusion of players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Josh Acheampong, and Rak-Sakyi could give Ghana a psychological edge, particularly in their encounter with England.
“The one I’m looking forward to is the match against England," the former MP said.
"And that’s why I want not only Semenyo, I want to have Callum Hudson-Odoi, I want to have Josh Acheampong, I want to have Rak-Sakyi. Their presence alone will give us some psychological advantage in that match."
He added that familiarity with English players could influence match dynamics.
"Look, I’ve said something people don’t want to know. Bukayo Saka always has problems with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka knows him very well. In football, it’s always the case. When you know a player, you know what he’s going to do."
With the group stage set, Ghana’s showdown with England is already shaping up as a pivotal test for the Black Stars in their quest to advance at the World Cup.
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