Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has welcomed the prospect of going up against England wingers Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke at the FIFA World Cup 2026, describing the challenge as a lifelong ambition and a platform to announce himself on the biggest stage in football.

Speaking ahead of Ghana's Group Stage clash with England, Mensah made clear he harbours no fear of the opposition's attacking quality — quite the opposite.

"I dream to play against most of the best players in the game. Coming against players like this is like a dream for me. I see myself to be a player for big games and big players, so it's time for me to also shine."

Mensah acknowledged that England enter the fixture as favourites in the eyes of many, but he has set his sights on flipping that narrative by the full-time whistle.

"People are tipping them to be the favourites and whatnot. But I'm trying to make sure that after the game the news is going to change around it."

Ghana's confidence boosted by opening win

The Black Stars arrive at this fixture buoyed by three points from their opening World Cup match, and Mensah believes that result has freed the squad mentally ahead of the high-profile showdown.

"We feel very confident, obviously, because we've already had three points in our first game. So this is a game where we're going with free minds, free heads."

Mensah also pointed to the squad's familiarity with English football as a source of calm rather than anxiety. Several Ghana players compete in the Premier League, and Mensah himself has faced some of England's squad at club level.

"Some of the boys have been playing in England. I've played against a couple of the players in the England team. It's not something that is really pushing us to shake — it's just something that motivates us to do more."

Saka pushing for starting place

On the England side, Saka — who has been managing his return to full fitness following an achilles problem — trained with Thomas Tuchel's squad on both Sunday and Monday and is in contention to start against Ghana.