Carlos Queiroz: Ghana's football identity will be key against England

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has insisted the Black Stars will not abandon their football identity when they face England in a crucial World Cup Group L encounter, despite coming up against one of the tournament's favourites.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's match in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Portuguese coach said Ghana's chances of success would depend on remaining faithful to its strengths and style of play rather than attempting to imitate its opponents.

"England has its strengths, its characteristics. We have ours," Queiroz told reporters.

"The most important thing is that we are not going to lose our identity because we want to add

points to get to the qualification."

The match carries significant stakes for both sides, with Ghana and England level on three

points after winning their opening group games. Victory for either team would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages and potentially secure top spot in Group L.

Queiroz said the World Cup provided a unique stage for different football cultures to compete against one another, stressing that Ghana's approach would be rooted in its own traditions and strengths.

"It is the English style that comes from the Premier League. But it is not the only football culture in the world," he said.

"The beauty of the game is exactly when you put these cultures face-to-face to understand how we can beat each other."

The former Manchester United assistant manager also highlighted the importance of allowing Ghana's players to express themselves naturally on the pitch.

"One African style team. I cannot change the DNA. It would be a mistake if I changed the DNA of African players on the pitch. They should be themselves. They should enjoy expressing the way they feel football" he said.

Queiroz, who is overseeing his fifth World Cup campaign, also sought to play down the significance of past meetings and reputations, arguing that history would have little bearing on the outcome of Tuesday's contest.

"Football, we never lose. We win or we learn," he said.

"The memories and the reputation, they don't win games. Tomorrow it will be another story."

The coach also welcomed the availability of midfielder Thomas Partey, who missed Ghana's opening victory over Panama because of visa and travel complications.

While declining to discuss his team selection in detail, Queiroz suggested the Black Stars would be stronger with a full squad available as they seek to build on the momentum generated by their opening win.

He also provided an update on goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who suffered a groin injury against Panama.

"Today was much better. But the decision will be made tomorrow, after the final medical assessment," he said.

Despite England's status as one of the favourites for the title, Queiroz expressed confidence in his side's ability to compete while remaining true to its identity.

He concluded by promising supporters an entertaining contest between two teams determined to take a major step towards the knockout stages.

"It will be a wonderful game," he said. "I guarantee there will be memories after the game finishes."