Tuchel Backs England's 4-2 Formula Against Ghana as Saka Returns to Full Fitness

Q: England has never beaten Ghana. Can their new high-flying attack finally rewrite history in this crucial World Cup showdown?

Yes—England look well placed to finally beat Ghana, even if the historical sample is tiny. The key context is that England have not lost to Ghana either; their only previous meeting was a 1-1 friendly draw in 2011, making this their first competitive clash. So the “history” at stake is limited, but the opportunity is real: a win would put England into the knockout stage and likely secure top spot in Group L. The evidence strongly favors England. Tuchel’s side opened with a 4-2 win over Croatia, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford all scoring, and their attack looked far less restrained than in previous tournaments. Tuchel’s “not disturbing the music” approach has given England’s forwards more freedom, while the team still showed a strong press and collective defensive structure, especially after halftime against Croatia. England also have depth. Bukayo Saka is fit again, Kane is in form, and their set-piece threat was a major weapon in the opener. Opta’s pre-match model gives England a 78.8% chance of winning, reflecting both current form and squad quality. Ghana should not be dismissed. They beat Panama 1-0, Thomas Partey is available, and Carlos Queiroz’s teams are usually disciplined and dangerous on the counter. England’s defense also showed some vulnerability against Croatia. But if England reproduce the intensity and attacking fluency of their second half in Dallas, they have the firepower to end that unbeaten Ghana record and take control of the group.

Q: With star winger Bukayo Saka fully fit, will his return disrupt or supercharge England's already potent attacking lineup?

Saka’s return is more likely to supercharge England than disrupt it, provided Thomas Tuchel sticks to the cautious integration he has already signaled. The key reason is that England’s attack is already functioning within a flexible, freedom-based system. Tuchel’s “not disturbing the music” approach is designed to preserve rhythm rather than force changes, and the 4-2 win over Croatia showed the front line can create chances through Kane’s movement, Bellingham’s runs and wide support from players such as Rashford. Adding Saka gives England another elite one-on-one threat without requiring a tactical overhaul. There is some tactical nuance. Critics have noted that Tuchel wants runners around Kane when he drops deep, while Saka often likes the ball to feet. That means his return is not entirely plug-and-play, especially if England want to maintain the verticality and pressing that worked so well in the second half against Croatia. But Tuchel’s emphasis on adaptation, plus England’s depth, reduces the risk of disruption. The bigger factor is game management. Tuchel has confirmed Saka is pain-free and available, but has not committed to starting him. That suggests England can use him in the role that best suits the match: either from the start if they want more control and creativity, or as a high-impact substitute against tiring defenders. Given his proven quality and England’s current momentum, that makes him more of a force multiplier than a destabilizing return.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 23

England can clinch top spot in Group L with a win over Ghana on Tuesday, after opening their World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Thomas Tuchel said his main task is to "not disturb the music"—keeping attackers free while preserving the mindset they brought into camp rather than over-coaching them.
High pressing and collective defending remain central to that approach, with Tuchel saying England executed it especially well in the second half against Croatia.
Bukayo Saka is fully available again after two high-level training sessions without pain, giving Tuchel a full squad ahead of the Foxborough match.
England finish group play against Panama on Saturday, but a second straight win would already secure first place and strengthen momentum in the knockout race.