Kudus fires warning to England: ‘We’ll be ready’ for World Cup clash

2d ago | Source: Graphic Online

Kudus fires warning to England: ‘We’ll be ready’ for World Cup clash

Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus says the Black Stars are fully prepared to take on England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team’s qualification alone is “a big statement” of their intentions ahead of next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Kudus, who has become a key figure at Tottenham Hotspur since joining from West Ham United last summer, is expected to play a leading role for Ghana in Group L, where the four-time African champions will face England, Croatia and Panama. The Black Stars will meet the Three Lions on June 23 at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Speaking at a press conference, Kudus said facing England is an opportunity the team is embracing with confidence. “I think to qualify for the World Cup alone is a big statement from us and shows what we can do,” he said when asked about the fixture at a press conference. “Definitely we will prepare towards that and it is good to have England in the group.”

The 25-year-old, who has two goals and six assists in 14 Premier League starts for Spurs this season, noted that many of Ghana’s players are familiar with English football, with several of them playing in or against Premier League sides. “We are playing against most of the players in the country here, so we are pretty much aware of the side we are facing and the quality they have, but we will definitely be up for it and ready,” he added.

Kudus arrived in north London in a £55 million transfer and has quickly established himself as a central component of Thomas Frank’s squad. His Premier League experience, he believes, gives him a unique understanding of England’s strengths, which he plans to share with his team-mates in preparation for the match.

He also acknowledged the quality within Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, widely regarded as one of the favourites for the tournament due to their depth and attacking talent. However, he stressed that Ghana would not be intimidated, especially after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

Kudus’ confidence is expected to be crucial for Otto Addo’s side as they seek to make an impact on their return to the global stage. Ghana’s last World Cup appearance came in 2022, and with an emerging generation of players gaining top-tier European experience, expectations are rising once again.

The Black Stars will open their campaign determined to prove that their qualification was not accidental but a sign of resilience and renewed ambition. For Kudus, England may be formidable, but they are far from unbeatable.