England handed major World Cup boost as manager forced into unwanted change | Football | Sport
England‘s group stage opponents Ghana have suffered a significant setback just weeks ahead of the World Cup. Mohammed Kudus, one of the Black Stars’ most talented players, will be absent from the tournament. The winger has scored 13 goals in 46 international appearances and found the net twice for his nation at the previous World Cup.
He also contributed two goals and two assists during this qualifying campaign but has been unable to recover from injury in time to secure his place in Carlos Queiroz’s squad. Kudus made the switch to Tottenham from West Ham last summer and had been a regular fixture for his country, but hasn’t featured since January owing to a hamstring problem. He experienced a setback when nearing full fitness in the spring, prompting Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi to deliver a concerning update in April.
“Kudus, for this season, has gone,” the Italian confirmed in April. “I am sorry for him, first of all, because he is a good guy. Should be very important for us, but we lose time if we speak about the past.”
That spell on the sidelines will now extend into the summer, with Queiroz announcing a 28-man squad – which will be reduced to 26 before the World Cup kicks off – without any room for Kudus.
There is, however, a place for Ernest Nuamah, who returned for his club Lyon in May following a year-long absence with a cruciate ligament tear.
Premier League and EFL clubs are also well represented within the Ghanaian contingent. Antoine Semenyo finished runners-up with Manchester City this season, while Coventry’s Brandon Thomas-Asante will join him in the top flight next term.
Leicester’s Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu have also made the squad despite the Foxes’ relegation to League One.
Ghana are set to face England in their second group stage clash on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. They open their campaign against Panama in Toronto, before rounding off the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Former Real Madrid manager Queiroz only took the reins in April following the sacking of Otto Addo. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder had been serving his second stint as boss and guided the side to World Cup qualification, yet was shown the door after back-to-back defeats during the March international break.
While the African nation must trim their squad by two players before finalising their selection, England have already confirmed their full 26-man group.
Kudus’ Tottenham team-mate Djed Spence has earned his place, though there is no room for colleagues Dominic Solanke and Conor Gallagher, despite both having received call-ups under Thomas Tuchel during the past 12 months.
