Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has called on the Ghana Football Association to prioritise the inclusion of English-born players in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana have been drawn into a challenging Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In an interview with Citi Sports, Vanderpuye stressed that players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Josh Acheampong and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could offer Ghana a crucial psychological edge—especially in the high-profile clash against England.

“The game I’m really looking forward to is the one against England,” Vanderpuye said. “That’s why I want not just Semenyo, but also Callum Hudson-Odoi, Josh Acheampong and Rak-Sakyi. Their mere presence can give us a psychological advantage in that match.”

He further explained that familiarity between players can significantly influence outcomes at the highest level, citing how defenders often fare better against attackers they know well.

“In football, when you know a player, you understand his movement and tendencies,” he added, suggesting that such inside knowledge could swing key moments in Ghana’s favour.

With the group stage fixtures confirmed, anticipation is already building around Ghana’s showdown with England, a match many see as decisive in the Black Stars’ quest to progress at the World Cup.