England vs Ghana Prediction, Odds & Match Preview

England will go for a second straight win to open Group L against Ghana in Boston.

The Three Lions exploded on offense against Croatia. Harry Kane scored a penalty inside the first 10 minutes as Thomas Tuchel’s side scored four times in the match.

Ghana, despite market support for Panama, won on a last-gasp goal 1-0 in Toronto. It leaves the African outfit level on points with England after Matchday 1.

Check out the World Cup odds and my England vs Ghana prediction.

England vs Ghana: World Cup Odds

Ghana vs England Prediction

Based on England’s misleading defensive record against Croatia and Ghana’s poor attacking metrics against Panama, my England vs Ghana prediction is England Win to Nil (-145).

England finished Matchday 1 as one of the unluckiest defenses. The defense allowed two first-half goals to Croatia despite both goals rating out as unlikely chances.

Croatia scored twice in the first half on chances worth 0.37 expected goals and 0.16 post-shot xG. Only one qualified as a big scoring chance.

I wonder if it set off a chain reaction that led England to reach four goals. Either way, Croatia finished the match with two goals off 0.7 xG and 0.5 post-shot xG.

The output creates a potential buy-low opportunity against a terrible Ghanaian attack. They accumulated under 50% possession vs. Panama and failed to create until the final minutes.

Of their 1.31 expected goals, Ghana created 1.03 in second-half stoppage time. They won’t be so lucky against a superior England defense as a 1.5-goal underdog.

The Ghana defense simultaneously ran very lucky against a poor Panama attack. The CONCACAF side created 1.36 post-shot xG, including a 0.42 psxG chance after conceding.

England possesses far superior attacking quality, evidenced by their 3.33 post-shot xG tally against a better Croatia defense.

Barring a complete surprise, I predict England takes a lead and limits Ghana’s chances from a positive game state.