We will make everyone proud, says Jordan Ayew ahead of England clash

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has acknowledged the magnitude of Ghana's upcoming clash against England, insisting the team is prepared for the challenge and determined to make the nation proud.

Ghana head into Tuesday's Group L encounter buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Caleb Yirenkyi's solitary strike securing all three points for Carlos Queiroz's side.

Speaking to the media on Monday ahead of the highly anticipated showdown with the Three Lions, Ayew said the mood in camp remains positive, stressing that the players are fully focused on securing another positive result.

"It has been positive, and it has been good. Everyone is ready for the next game. We've won just one game, and we are not yet done," the 34-year-old said.

"We still have two more important games to play. We want to ensure that we do our best, enjoy ourselves, and get positive results."

Ayew admitted England will provide a stern test but believes facing top opposition is part of the World Cup experience.

"It's going to be a tough game, and we all know that. That's why we are at the World Cup - you have to play against the best teams," he added.

"We are ready for the challenge, and we are going to do our best to make ourselves proud and make our country and families proud."

Reflecting on Ghana's opening win over Panama, the Leicester City forward noted that no match at the World Cup comes easy.

"There are no easy games at the World Cup. Every game is difficult because you play against the best teams. Obviously, it was a difficult game against Panama, but in the end, we got the three points, and that's the most important thing.

"Now we are playing against England, and it's going to be really difficult, but we will see what happens. We will put on a show and make everybody proud."

A win or even a draw against England could be enough to secure Ghana's place in the knockout stages with a game to spare.

The Black Stars will round off their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 27, 2026, as they continue their bid to reach the World Cup knockout phase for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010.