Carlos Queiroz insists England’s famous three lions will be outnumbered when they meet Ghana, declaring that his Black Stars will be fuelled by the passion of “33 million lions” back home.

The two sides collide in a pivotal World Cup Group L clash at Boston’s Gillette Stadium, with both having opened their campaigns with victories. Ghana edged Panama 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Caleb Yirenkyi, while England announced themselves with a 4-2 win over Croatia.

“We know they have the three lions on their shirt, but we come from Ghana and have 33 million lions to fight for this game,” Queiroz told reporters on the eve of the match, framing the contest as a moment of national pride rather than a meeting of rankings.

England, ranked fourth in the world, can secure top spot in the group with a win, provided Panama fail to beat Croatia. Ghana, sitting 65th, would also be on the brink of winning the group if they upset one of the tournament favourites, a result that would move them closer to a first knockout appearance since their celebrated run to the quarterfinals in 2010.

Queiroz, the experienced Portuguese coach, said his players need no extra motivation when facing a heavyweight like England. “This is the easiest type of match, because when you’re about to play against England, France or Germany, you don’t need to say anything to the players. They’re fully motivated,” he said.

His concern is not desire, but control. “Everybody is fully switched on and everybody wants to perform well. What we have to do in this type of game is to try and moderate the enthusiasm, but mainly we need to work together. Whatever happens, we need to stick together and fight together over 90 full minutes.”

Queiroz acknowledged England’s quality and Premier League-honed intensity, yet insisted Ghana have a clear plan. “We know how England play. They have excellent players, they have the experience of their Premier League. They have intensity, but we know how we can control this.”

He also brushed aside memories of Iran’s 6-2 defeat to England at the 2022 World Cup. “In football, we never lose. We win or we learn,” he said. “Memories don’t win games, so tomorrow will be another story.”

For Queiroz, that story must end with his players walking off the pitch unbowed. “Tomorrow, we will fight to win. Whatever the result, our players must emerge from the game with their chins held high, knowing they gave everything.”