England Starts Spence and Guéhi Against Ghana as Tuchel Makes 2 Changes

Q: Will Harry Kane break England's World Cup scoring record and secure a knockout spot for the Three Lions?

Yes—Kane is one goal away from the record, and England can seal a knockout place by beating Ghana. Kane already has 10 World Cup goals after scoring twice in the 4-2 win over Croatia, which means he has drawn level with Gary Lineker’s England record. Another goal against Ghana would move him clear on 11. The conditions are favorable: he is fit, on penalties, scored freely for Bayern Munich this past season, and England are expected to control much of the match. England are also in a strong position to qualify. They opened with three points, are heavily favored against Ghana, and a win on Tuesday would guarantee progress from Group L. In the expanded 48-team format, even a draw would not end their chances, but it would delay confirmation until the final group game against Panama. That said, neither outcome is guaranteed on the night. Ghana also won their opener and have enough experience and physicality, with Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo starting, to make the game competitive. England have made two defensive changes, with Djed Spence and Marc Guéhi coming in, so Tuchel’s side still need to show control as well as attacking quality. The balance of evidence points clearly England’s way. Kane is well placed to break the record, and if England perform close to the level they showed against Croatia, they should take the result that sends them into the knockout rounds.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 23

Djed Spence and Marc Guéhi come into England's XI for Tuesday's World Cup match with Ghana, replacing Nico O'Reilly and John Stones after the 4-2 opening win over Croatia.
Thomas Tuchel otherwise keeps faith with his attack: Noni Madueke stays on the right, Anthony Gordon starts on the left, and Bukayo Saka remains on the bench despite Marcus Rashford scoring as a substitute last week.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham again lead England's main goal threat as the team tries to seize control of Group L; Kane is chasing a third tournament goal after scoring twice in the opener.
Ghana arrive after a 1-0 win over Panama, with Thomas Partey back in the lineup after missing that game because he was denied entry to Canada, while Antoine Semenyo and captain Jordan Ayew also start.