England, Ghana battle for last-32 spot tonight

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 22 (Agencies): England and Ghana both have the chance to book their place in the World Cup knockout stage when they clash in Boston Wednesday (2:00 am as per BST) after opening-match victories in Group L.

England began their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia, while Ghana edged Panama 1-0, leaving the two

teams level on three points ahead of a potentially decisive meeting.

Thomas Tuchel's side made an emphatic statement in their opener, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford scoring as England combined attacking flair with occasional defensive vulnerability against Croatia.

The result strengthened belief that Tuchel's more adventurous approach could make England genuine contenders in North America, although the two goals conceded also provided a reminder that there is room for improvement.

Kane is leading the team at his third World Cup, supported by a group that blends established stars such as Bellingham, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka with emerging talents including Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Rogers.

Tuchel's challenge will be balancing attacking ambition with defensive solidity as the competition intensifies.

"Difficult group with Croatia and Ghana, two regulars in World Cups and two proud, strong nations," Tuchel said of Group L.

Ghana, meanwhile, arrive with little pressure but plenty of confidence. The Black Stars showed discipline and patience in overcoming Panama, with a late goal securing all three points and putting them on the verge of a first appearance in the knockout rounds since 2010.

Thomas Partey will be available after he was denied entry into Canada for the Panama game in Toronto, with the former Arsenal midfielder facing allegations of rape and sexual assault in Britain. He has denied the charges.

Under veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana have built their success on organisation and quick transitions, and they possess enough pace and physicality to trouble England if given space on the counter-attack.

On the surface, the problem is not obvious.

After all, England breezed through qualifying without conceding a single goal in eight matches.

But their defence has two major weaknesses -- a lack of experience and a worrying injury record.

Former England defender Gary Neville, now a Sky Sports pundit, said the team's first-half display against the Croats would have unnerved them.

"I think that it will make Thomas Tuchel adjust for maybe games two and three, and make him think slightly differently about how he sort of maybe plays that defence, and how he looks at protecting them," he said.

The head coach opted to leave three players with significant tournament experience at home --

Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester United pair Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.