Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to include English-born players in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana, drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, will begin their tournament campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Vanderpuye highlighted the potential advantage of calling up players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Josh Acheampong, and Rak-Sakyi, particularly ahead of the clash with England.
“The one I’m looking forward to is the match against England,” the former MP said. “And that’s why I want not only Semenyo, I want to have Callum Hudson-Odoi, I want to have Josh Acheampong, I want to have Rak-Sakyi. Their presence alone will give us some psychological advantage in that match.”
He added that familiarity with English football could work in Ghana’s favour.
“Look, I’ve said something people don’t want to know. Bukayo Saka always has problems with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka knows him very well. In football, it’s always the case. When you know a player, you know what he’s going to do.”
The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Several expatriate players have expressed interest in representing Ghana following the Black Stars’ World Cup qualification, and Vanderpuye believes integrating them could strengthen the squad’s chances on the global stage.
The encounter with England is now shaping up as one of the most crucial fixtures for Ghana as they aim to make a strong impact in the tournament.
