Black Stars defender Gideon Mensah has welcomed the prospect of facing England’s dangerous wide players, insisting Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup clash offers him the perfect opportunity to prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages.Ghana take on the Three Lions in a crucial Group L encounter knowing victory would secure qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare.England boast one of the tournament’s most exciting attacking units, with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke expected to provide pace and creativity from the flanks. However, Mensah says he relishes the challenge of coming up against elite opposition.Speaking ahead of the match, the Auxerre left-back made it clear he sees the contest as a chance to showcase his quality rather than something to fear.”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 will enter the match as favourites but believes Ghana can change the narrative with a strong performance.”People are tipping them to be the favourites and whatnot. But then I’m trying to make sure that after the game, the news is going to change around it.”The 27-year-old is expected to play a key role in containing England’s attacking threats, with Saka and Madueke likely to test Ghana’s defence throughout the contest.Ghana head into the fixture in confident mood after opening their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama, while England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their first Group L outing.The Black Stars have enjoyed an encouraging build-up to the match, with players training in high spirits and maintaining a positive atmosphere around the camp despite the significance of the occasion.Head coach Carlos Queiroz has spent recent training sessions preparing his squad for England’s strengths, with particular attention given to defending against quick wingers and dangerous one-on-one situations.For Mensah, the meeting with England represents more than just another World Cup fixture. It is an opportunity to measure himself against some of the Premier League’s finest attackers and help Ghana move one step closer to the Round of 32.Should the Black Stars secure all three points in Boston, they would book their place in the knockout stages and record one of their most significant World Cup victories in recent history.
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