However, Wilson is confident the Black Stars possess enough quality to reach the knockout stage.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Graphic Sports, Wilson said Ghana’s current squad made it difficult to imagine them failing to progress from the group.

“I genuinely want Ghana and England to progress,” he said. “I really think Ghana has a chance of doing it because even though Croatia are ranked higher in the world, I don’t think they are quite the team they once were. They have good individuals, but I don’t think they are as strong.”

Wilson also pointed to history and recent encounters as reasons to believe the Black Stars can compete favourably, particularly against England.

“Ghana has a strong team. The last time Ghana and England played in 2011, it was a draw,” he noted. “I also read a statistic that whenever Ghana play their second group game at the World Cup, they usually win, while England’s form tends to inconsistent. So I think that game would be anyone’s game.”

The British official further described Ghana’s failure to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a “blessing in disguise,” arguing that it presents an opportunity to focus on preparation ahead of the World Cup.

“For Ghana not making it to AFCON gives you a good chance to focus on this World Cup and prepare as much as possible,” he said. “I think a knockout place should be the minimum expectation — at least reaching the quarter-finals.”

For England, Wilson said expectations would naturally be higher, given their seeding and depth.

“England were a top four seeded team, so personally, I would expect a semi-final appearance,” he stated.

However, he admitted winning the World Cup remains an enormous challenge but expect the Three Lions to lift the trophy this time around.

“I understand how difficult it is to win the World Cup but I think it is possible for England to win it this time despite how tough the path will be,” Wilson concluded.