With Lawrence Ati-Zigi a major doubt, the 33-year-old Great Olympics goalkeeper is poised to start against England, while Carlos Queiroz shuffles his tactical pack for the crucial Group L clash.
Benjamin Asare is line for a monumental start in goal for Ghana against England tomorrow, as manager Carlos Queiroz prepares to shuffle his tactical pack to contain the Three Lions in the crucial Group L showdown.
With first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi heavily doubtful after suffering a groin injury against Panama, the 33-year-old Great Olympics goalkeeper is poised to make his full World Cup starting debut. Asare has been the standout goalkeeper in the domestic Ghana Premier League, earning his spot in the national setup through elite shot-stopping metrics.
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Asare recorded 14 clean sheets in 28 domestic league appearances, conceding only 19 goals throughout the campaign. He saved three out of five penalties faced this season. He earned his international debut under Otto Addo in late 2024 and proved his reliability by keeping a clean sheet in the second half of Ghana’s 1-0 opening win over Panama after replacing the injured Ati-Zigi.
Queiroz is expected to deploy a highly disciplined, defensive transition block to contain England’s rapid attacking pace. The predicted starting lineup features Asare in goal, with Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, and Gideon Mensah forming the defence. Elisha Owusu and Salis Abdul Samed are expected to anchor the midfield, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, and Brandon Thomas-Asante support Antoine Semenyo upfront.
The flanks are expected to be the key area of focus. Fatawu Issahaku and Thomas-Asante are set to be rewarded with starts after pairing up brilliantly for Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner against Panama. Semenyo will retain his place upfront, tasked with using his physical frame to occupy England’s central defenders and create space for late runners from midfield.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Queiroz will make a final decision on Ati-Zigi’s availability after the final training session. If the goalkeeper is unable to play, Asare will be thrust into the starting lineup against one of the tournament favourites.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 22, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
