Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland are in a strong position in Group L after a 4-2 win over Croatia in what looked to be their most challenging fixture.The Three Lions face Ghana next in Boston on Tuesday, before ending the group stage against Panama in New York on Saturday.But will victory over Ghana be enough to guarantee Englands place in the last 32?Play our FREE match predictor and win �1k'Will England be through to the knockouts with win against Ghana?Beating Ghana would put England on six points from two games ahead of their final match against Panama.It would leave Thomas Tuchels team three points clear of Ghana, who scored late on to beat Panama 1-0 in their opener. You may like England vs Ghana prediction: Can Harry Kane fire Three Lions to another win? England vs Ghana team news: Predicted World Cup starting XI, injury updates and squad in full How to watch Ghana vs Panama for FREE Croatia will be expected to beat Panama after Englands match finishes, and, assuming they do, they will go three points behind the group leaders.But victory will not only mean England secure their place in the last 32 - it will also confirm them as Group L winners.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.That is because of FIFAs change from goal difference to head-to-head as the primary tie-breaker when teams finish level on points in the group stage.At previous World Cups, England could still have been overtaken by one of Croatia or Ghana - not both, because they meet each other in the final fixture - on goal difference with six points from three games.As it is now, a win in their second game will make it impossible for Croatia or Ghana to catch England.That should provide all the motivation they need to get the job done in Boston and set up a potentially more favourable route to the latter stages of the World Cup.If England finish first first in their group, they will play one of the third-placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J or K.As things stand, that could potentially mean a last 32 clash with Cape Verde, Uruguay, Senegal, Algeria or DR Congo, amongst various other possible opponents.TOPICSEnglandGhanaWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Callum Rice-CoatesCallum is a football writer who has had work published by the likes of BBC Sport, the Independent, BT Sport and the Blizzard, amongst various others. A lifelong Wrexham fan, he is hoping Ryan Reynolds can lead his hometown club to the promised land.
