England face Ghana at Foxborough on Tuesday knowing victory would secure progression to the next stage of the World Cup. But Thomas Tuchel has warned his side to expect a dangerous opponent that will rely on counterattacks. “I expect more ball possession,” the England manager said. “I expect Ghana to rely on counterattacks because they are very physical, very fast and dangerous.”
The match, which kicks off at 9pm BST, carries added significance for Jude Bellingham. The midfielder will become England’s youngest player to reach 50 caps if he features. Tuchel spoke at length about Bellingham’s improvement during the tournament. “There is no doubt that a game and competition like this brings out the best in him but it needed improvement,” he said. “The connection between Jude and Harry, the connection between Jude and Declan and Elliot — it needs improvement and needed improvement and it’s a big step.”
“Tuchel warns Ghana will counterattack; Bellingham could become England's youngest to reach 50 caps.”
Tuchel stressed that Bellingham had fully bought into the team ethos. “Jude played fully into our idea and was fully committed to the team idea and team spirit and to play in full cohesion with everyone else,” he said. “He was very important, super reliable.”