Ghana vs England: Key Players to Watch
June 24, 2026 · Global
Ghana's squad for the World Cup features key players such as Antoine Semenyo, Caleb Yirenkyi and Jordan Ayew who will play an important role in their match against England.
Ghana are having a difficult time ahead of the World Cup after coach Otto Addo was sacked following a series of poor results just 72 days before the tournament started. Experienced coach Carlos Queiroz was appointed to take over his team in its fifth World Cup after previously managing Portugal and Iran. He is certainly pleased with his side's start, a late win against Panama raising hopes of a first appearance in the knockout stages since their incredible run to the quarter-finals in 2010. Here are five key players England need to keep an eye on.
Ghana vs England 2026 World Cup
Date: June 23, 21:00 BST
Watch on iPlayer, BBC One and the BBC Sport app from 20:00 BST and listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live. Live text, analysis and video highlights are available on the BBC Sport website and app.
Antoine Semenyo
- Club: Manchester City
- Age: 26
- Position: Wing
- Caps: 35
- Goals: 3
When discussing the Ghana squad, it wouldn't be complete if we didn't mention their star, Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo. He arrives at the World Cup having finished third on the 2025-26 Premier League top scorers list with 17 goals at Bournemouth and Manchester City. Semenyo adapted well at the Etihad Stadium following his £65 million move and helped the club to two trophies, scoring the decisive goal in the FA Cup final. Despite his fine feet, he has scored just three goals in 35 international appearances for Ghana, with one goal in his last 28 caps.
Caleb Yirenkyi
- Club: Nordsjaelland
- Age: 20
- Position: Midfielder
- Caps: 12
- Goals: 2
One of Europe's most sought-after young midfielders, Yirenkyi added to his selling point by scoring the decisive goal in the 94th minute in Ghana's opener against Panama. Former Black Stars coach Addo deployed the box-to-box midfielder at right-back, but new coach Queiroz has returned him to the position where he excelled at club level. In the 2025-26 Danish league, Yirenkyi leads in possessions won in the opponent's final third (26) and ball recoveries (205).
Jordan Ayew
- Clubs: No clubs
- Age: 34
- Position: Striker/Attack midfielder
- Caps: 121
- Goals: 34
Ayew became Ghana's record holder for most caps in their opener against Panama, surpassing the previous record held by his brother Andre. When Jordan was named captain in 2025, he saw it as "written in the stars," following in the footsteps of his legendary father Abedi Pele and his brother. Seeking his first World Cup goal in his third tournament, Ayew has a good goalscoring record with 14 goals in the last 22 caps.
Brandon Thomas-Asante
- Club: Coventry City
- Age: 27
- Position: Striker
- Caps: 9
- Goals: 1
Thomas-Asante, who can play across the front line, was named in Ghana's World Cup squad after an impressive season at Coventry. He scored 13 goals in their Championship winning campaign. Born in Milton Keynes, Thomas-Asante initially developed his talents at the academy before playing for several clubs in the lower leagues. He made an immediate impact in Ghana's opener against Panama.
Kamaldeen Sulemana
- Club: Atalanta
- Age: 24
- Position: Wing
- Caps: 29
- Goals: 1
Sulemana was the fastest player at the Qatar World Cup with a speed of 22.2mph. Although he is known for his dribbling skills, questions have been raised regarding his productivity in front of goal. He last scored for Atalanta in February and has managed just one goal in 29 caps for Ghana.