Michael Kenrick 23/06/2026 84comments  |  Jump to last

The full set of second games in each group at the 2026 World Cup gets completed tonight, with Portugal, England, Croatia and Colombia in action.

 

Tuesday 23 June 2026

18:00 Portugal v Uzbekistan (Group K) — ITV 1
21:00 England v Ghana (Group L) — BBC 1
00:00 Panama v Croatia (Group L) — BBC 1
03:00 Colombia v DR Congo (Group K) — ITV 1

At ToffeeWeb, we will follow the England v Ghana match live on this thread and on the Live Forum. 

 

England Pickford; James, Konsa, Guéhi, Spence; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Substitutes  Dean Henderson, Trafford, O’Reilly, Stones, Chalobah, Burn, Quansah, Jordan Henderson, Mainoo, Rogers, Eze, Saka, Watkins, Toney.

Ghana Asare; Mensah, Opoku, Adjetey, Senaya; Yirenkyi, Partey, Sibo; Williams, Ayew, Semenyo.
Substitutes Ati Zigi, Anana, Seidu, Mumin, Rahman, Oppong, Luckassen, Owusu, Boakye, Fatawu, Thomas-Asante, Baah, Sulemana, Nuamah, Adu.

 

Reader Comments (84)

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Andrew Ellams
1 Posted 23/06/2026 at 18:12:45
The fawning fanboy commentary in this tournament is beyond nauseating.
Jack Convery
2 Posted 23/06/2026 at 18:32:43
Matterface and Dixon yawnnnnnnnnn
Jeff Armstrong
3 Posted 23/06/2026 at 18:53:28
Lee Dixon is the worst pudit at this tournament, bar none.

“Almost goal of the tournament there” he says of a Ronaldo mishit, that he bottled as the goalkeeper came out.
Andrew Ellams
4 Posted 23/06/2026 at 19:10:43
Jeff, I take your Lee Dixon and raise it with Danny Murphy.
Jeff Armstrong
5 Posted 23/06/2026 at 19:13:05
Mogadon Murphy comes close but Dixon is just a prick.
Liam Mogan
6 Posted 23/06/2026 at 19:17:08
Murphy was shocking yesterday.

For commentators this has been the worst World Cup ever.

The expansion of teams to 48 has just equalled more pointless matches and too much fawning over quite average football.
Kevin Molloy
7 Posted 23/06/2026 at 19:55:41
We used to have pundits and you'd be interested in what they might have to say. Now, who cares what Carragher, Rooney or Murphy think about anything?

Murphy: "He'll be disappointed with that." Will he? Will he really?
Darren Hind
8 Posted 23/06/2026 at 20:20:51
Big Dunc looks like a heavyweight boxer next to Roy Keane and Gary Neville. He's huge. They look like a pair of bookends.

All three of them stealing a living at the moment.
Paul Griffiths
9 Posted 23/06/2026 at 20:41:59
Osman sends me to sleep.
Rob Jones
10 Posted 23/06/2026 at 20:50:44
It's always interesting reading profile pieces or listening to comments on Elliot Anderson, because we've watched James Garner best him EVERY time.
Don Wright
11 Posted 23/06/2026 at 20:56:32
First match I have watched from the start but why the fuck do the whole squad have to shake hands.
Michael Kenrick
12 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:00:38
Jayzus... how many sideways and backwards passes is that already?
Paul Griffiths
13 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:02:16
Anderson was superb - as the Yanks calls it 'the superior player of the match' - in the first match and he is a lot better than Garner. That was one pick the German got right.

Mixed feelings about this one. I used to live in Ghana for a while. Lovely country. Lovely people.

I'd settle for a draw.
Liam Mogan
14 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:22:25
Got to agree that Anderson is better than Garner. Although Garner is one we need to keep hold of.
Paul Griffiths
15 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:25:07
Agree Liam.

A tad surprised to see that Gordon kept his place. Starting to look like Tuchel plays favourites.
Liam Mogan
16 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:25:08
Ghana preventing England from getting anywhere near the box
Paul Griffiths
17 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:27:28
They are well set up Liam. Unsurprising, I suppose, with Carlos Queiroz in charge.

England 218 passes; Ghana 39.
Liam Mogan
18 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:28:39
Ayew looks like he's got papier mache on his head!
Liam Mogan
19 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:31:02
No space Paul. Both Gordon and Madueke rely on pace and getting past last defender. Neither are quite tricky enough in tight areas.
John Collins
20 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:36:22
There's another decent right back who is not available to us.
Paul Griffiths
21 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:38:01
Are there any left JC?

Gordon and Madueke would seem to be two of Tuchel's favourites.
Christy Ring
22 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:40:26
Rice did nothing wrong, just stood on his foot!
Paul Griffiths
23 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:43:47
I see that Trump is presenting the world cup trophy to the winners.
Paul Griffiths
24 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:44:22
Are you allowed to stand on feet Christy?!
Andrew Ellams
25 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:49:14
This is starting to look like one of those play for a week and still not score nights.
Christy Ring
26 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:51:57
Paul are you allowed to stand on opposition's foot??
Liam Mogan
27 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:53:28
Micah Richards jacket is some statement. Joan Collins in Dynasty!
Bill Gall
28 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:54:18
Paul I think 75% of those passes are between the back 4
Christy Ring
29 Posted 23/06/2026 at 21:58:16
I have to say Gordon very poor again tonight.
Liam Mogan
30 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:01:55
He's very one dimensional is our Anthony
Paul Griffiths
31 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:15:22
Yes Bill.

Liam, Micah Richards is the worst pundit ever. I hate his fake laugh
Paul Griffiths
32 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:15:31
SUBS MOYES
Liam Mogan
33 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:16:57
Tommy Tuchel needs a couple of pans of scouse down him.
Andrew Ellams
34 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:21:47
There's a few Barcelona fans who probably haven't seen too much of Gordon wondering what the hell is going on.
Andy Meighan
35 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:22:34
I could go to bed now, wake up in the morning, these could still be playing and it would still be 0 0.
Liam Mogan
36 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:28:56
Think O'Reilly is more suited to this game. He plays against this type of defending deep every week.
Neil Tyrrell
37 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:29:30
Gordon off

In more ways than one
Josh Horne
38 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:30:09
Lucky boy Pickford.
Michael Kenrick
39 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:30:12
Terrible from Pickford there.
Jim Bennings
40 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:30:19
Pickford bottled out a bit there to be fair, he's not looking as assured as he usually does for England, the end of season form with us has spilled over a tad
Paul Griffiths
41 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:32:13
How could anyone start Spence over O'Reilly?
Neil Tyrrell
42 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:32:17
Dubious pen coming soon for England
Paul Hewitt
43 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:33:40
Hate these advertisment breaks
Kevin Molloy
44 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:33:53
how has Pickford not got a red
Chris Leyland
45 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:34:17
Pickford was was clearly fouled there. Not sure why that’s considered ’terrible’ by him?
Jeff Armstrong
46 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:34:48
Ref favouring England this half, couple of very dubious decisions going England’s way.
Jim Bennings
47 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:34:50
The whole World Cup should have been in Mexico, proper football nation, all this Yanky nonsense breaks that has been invented by them does my nut in.
Paul Hewitt
48 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:37:47
If the yanks got there way, there would be no relegation.
Paul Griffiths
49 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:38:14
Eze for Anderson is not a Moyes sub. It's an attacking sub. Can't believe that Madueke is still on
Liam Mogan
50 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:38:55
Ghana have defended brilliantly though
Jim Bennings
51 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:41:11
Looking ropey at the back, again lucky
Paul Griffiths
52 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:42:07
Comedy.
Ian Bennett
53 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:42:43
Pickford called upon twice and looked unconvincing. First one was a foul, but could've easily gone the other way as a red if the player was a bit cuter
Paul Griffiths
54 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:49:17
Dear God 'arry
Neil Tyrrell
55 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:50:00
Kane with the field goal, 3-0
Liam Mogan
56 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:59:22
Can't believe England haven't won the World Cup yet!
Paul Griffiths
57 Posted 23/06/2026 at 22:59:54
Well done, Ghana.

Poor from England.
Kevin Molloy
58 Posted 23/06/2026 at 23:06:33
This studio discussion is like a scene from One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest!
Bill Gall
59 Posted 23/06/2026 at 23:07:43
Ghana coach must have read the Moyes 1 page coaching, defend and hope you scored from a break
Brendan McLaughlin
60 Posted 23/06/2026 at 23:13:53
Bill #59

Worked for them
Andy Meighan
61 Posted 23/06/2026 at 23:14:46
Liam 56.

I thought they had after the way the media carried on after they beat a poor Croatia side last week.

Normal service resumed tonight though, must have the 2 worst widemen in the tournament in Gordon and Madueke the pair of them are average at best.

Anyone thinking England have got a chance of winning it are dreaming.
Ian Horan
62 Posted 23/06/2026 at 23:20:41
Punditry is shocking, I hate Rooney as one, great player in his day but not a pundit.

At no point have they said put balls in low. Ghana defenders are 6ft plus and pundits are brain dead get to the line and hang it up wtaf low block yet we had no Plan B.
Steve Johnston
63 Posted 23/06/2026 at 00:05:44
England football...

Boring the arse off people since 1966.
Jack Convery
64 Posted 23/06/2026 at 00:36:10
30 minute half time break during the final.

The World Cup -- Lots and lots of advertising with some games going on. Pathetic. Infantino wants sacking asap. Sold the World Cup for a few hefty brown envelopes and an audience with the Donald.

They'll try and bring in four quarters, mark my words, in all the football associations. Citing Health and Safety concerns for players.

Croatia a shadow of their former selves, sadly.
Derek Thomas
65 Posted 23/06/2026 at 00:44:06
Ian @ 62; plenty of passing across the box, not many shots though and nobody getting the ball centrally and running or dribbling into the box -- is Moyes the Coach?
Neil Tyrrell
66 Posted 24/06/2026 at 01:11:05
Lots of empty seats in Toronto for Croatia v Panama, especially in the most expensive lower sections.

Good to see at $1200+ a pop. Fuck you Fifa!
Paul Griffiths
67 Posted 24/06/2026 at 01:13:03
And the President presenting the trophy to the winners Jack. I've heard at least one Yank commentator refer to them as quarters.

Yes, Croatia looking flat -- hang on, they just scored.

Anyone else hate how all the 13 subs pour onto the pitch when a goal is scored?
Paul Griffiths
68 Posted 24/06/2026 at 01:33:07
Neil, I've been a little surprised how full the stadiums have been. I think Toronto is the smallest ground. What a location on the lake. One of my favourite cities.

Crowd just announced and its a little more than 2.000 below capacity.
Jack Convery
69 Posted 24/06/2026 at 02:00:24
Goal scorers make winners. Panama need a centre-forward. Some lovely stuff and lots of blood, sweat and tears.

I Still think it's a tournament too far for some of those Croatian players. Ghana will certainly give them a game and they have players who can score goals.
Mike Gaynes
70 Posted 24/06/2026 at 02:26:56
PG #67, that used to be a yellow. Subs had to stay in the subs' area. Don't know when they changed it or why.

It bugs me because it triples the celebration time for a goal. Everybody has to hug the scorer. It can be 90 seconds or more until the game resumes.
Paul Griffiths
71 Posted 24/06/2026 at 02:52:04
90 seconds MG, and the rest! So, is it no longer a yellow for subs 'infringing'? Ridiculous.
Steve Brown
72 Posted 24/06/2026 at 06:02:17
We can all stop over-promoting England now and be more realistic.

Every time England got into threatening positions, the players wanted a touch before passing or shooting. It killed our momentum.

And what must Barcelona be thinking when they watch Gordon this tournament?!

Put Madueke on the left and Saka on the right if Bakayo is fit enough. Drop Djed Spence for O’Reilly.
Ian Bennett
73 Posted 24/06/2026 at 07:44:16
The analysis that called out playing inverted full backs and wingers was right.

When the the opponent is playing 11 behind the ball, you have to keep the pitch as wide as possible. Instead it was heavily congested, with the opponent knowing players have to check back onto their better side, whilst the midfield played with two defensive midfielders.

The back 4 excluding reece James don't look great on the ball either.

Pickford looks less than convincing. Came out to close out attacks, but never got the ball on either occasion and could of been embarrassed with a red if the striker was more switched on.
Tony Abrahams
74 Posted 24/06/2026 at 07:44:43
It has never changed since I was a little kid, with regards England, Steve. They are never as good as people claim and they are rarely as bad as the other people claim.
Paul Griffiths
75 Posted 24/06/2026 at 07:44:55
Agree with the last two Steve mate, but Madueke is not good enough and we need Rashford or Rogers there or someone I'm forgetting.
Mick O\\\'Malley
76 Posted 24/06/2026 at 07:51:54
Steve agreed about Gordon, they had the chance to get Rashford at a third of the price but passed it up and took Gordon, id have taken Rashford all day long,
Paul Griffiths
77 Posted 24/06/2026 at 08:01:46
' they had the chance to get Rashford at a third of the price but passed it up and took Gordon'

Dear God Mick mate, I hadn't thought of it like that mate. You're dead right.
Eric Myles
78 Posted 24/06/2026 at 08:19:03
Maybe thinking about resale value?

In 3 years Rashford is 31 and so the money spent is lost, whereas Gordon would be 28 and could still recoup some of his fee or go on for 3 more years.
Dave Abrahams
79 Posted 24/06/2026 at 08:33:04
England were very good with their physicality, too much of it though, not very good technically, I only watched the first half, thought England would finally get a goal or two one way or the other.

England are far from being a very good team but they could still win it, is there an outstanding team in this World Cup? Not sure there is one up to now although I’ve not seen many full games.
Darren Hind
80 Posted 24/06/2026 at 08:45:30
I havent seen a truly outstanding team,

Dave. I think this time we may get a real outsider like Japan or USA win it.

I'm already on the Yanks at 50/1 EW. I'd be surprised if you could get half of those odds now
Andrew Clare
81 Posted 24/06/2026 at 08:57:43
Pickford looked uncomfortable the outfield players looked devoid of any ideas and really we just don’t have a player who can change the game.
The three teams who have at least one genuinely world class player are on another level to the rest.
No prizes for guessing who they are.
Andrew Merrick
82 Posted 24/06/2026 at 09:57:44
Ian 73, I wonder if a fit Grealish might have been a good option to get in amongst the low block win fouls, get the odd yellow issued, mess up their game plan a bit, Ghana looked pretty comfy.
All those high balls were bread and butter defending.
Dead balls were mostly poor.
We could have lost last night if var was on its usual form.
early optimism faded then
Ian Bennett
83 Posted 24/06/2026 at 10:20:54
I think that's a fair call Andrew.

There was no one that was a master with the ball in tight spaces like a Foden, Grealish, Palmer. May be that is Saka, but isn't Madueke, Gordon or Rashford.
Dave Abrahams
84 Posted 24/06/2026 at 11:01:19
Going by reports of the game it was mostly boring and maybe the contest between Uri Geller and Nana Kwaku Bonsam was more interesting, one claiming to have put a curse on Harry Kane not to score in this game and the other claiming to have protected him from that curse, a load of bleedin’ rubbish but you might enjoy reading about it, doubt if many enjoyed watching the game.

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