Ghana's 33 million lions ready to challenge England's three

England prepares for its second World Cup challenge today, facing Ghana as the apparent favorites following their decisive 4-2 victory over Croatia.

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In football, four years is like a century, so I don't even remember where it was. I wasn't defeated. In football, we never lose. Either we win or we learn.

Ghana, however, proved resilient in their opening match, scoring a late goal to secure a win against Panama. Despite England's favored status, Ghana's determination suggests a competitive encounter. Coach Carlos Queiroz, who previously managed Iran against England in the last World Cup, dismissed past results, emphasizing football's evolving nature. "In football, four years is like a century, so I don't even remember where it was," Queiroz stated, adding, "I wasn't defeated. In football, we never lose. Either we win or we learn."

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These are the easiest matches, because before the game with England, France, or Germany, you don't need to tell the players anything. They are fully motivated.

Queiroz, a former assistant coach at Real Madrid and Manchester United, highlighted the motivation his players feel when facing top teams like England, France, or Germany. "These are the easiest matches, because before the game with England, France, or Germany, you don't need to tell the players anything. They are fully motivated," he said. He confidently asserted Ghana's readiness to compete, declaring, "We know they have three lions on their jersey, but we come from Ghana and we have 33 million lions... to fight in this match."

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We know they have three lions on their jersey, but we come from Ghana and we have 33 million lions... to fight in this match.

England midfielder Declan Rice shares this confidence, believing the team can defeat any opponent if they replicate their second-half performance against Croatia. "As players, we know the level of play, we know what is required of us, and this performance in the second half was probably a benchmark for us on how we need to start the game at this level," Rice commented. He is convinced that with their available talent, including substitutes, England can achieve victory from the outset.

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As players, we know the level of play, we know what is required of us, and this performance in the second half was probably a benchmark for us on how we need to start the game at this level.