England were measured rather than electric in the opening exchanges, but a moment of Ghanaian indiscipline — Thomas Partey's reckless lunge on Kobbie Mainoo in the 12th minute — handed the initiative to Gareth Southgate's successor early. Kane stepped up with his trademark composure, sending Ati-Zigi the wrong way from twelve yards. Ghana, to their credit, did not collapse. Partey's yellow forced a more conservative shape, but Kamaldeen Sulemana's directness on the right continued to trouble Livramento throughout the first half. Saka's 37th-minute goal was a thing of beauty — a Bellingham through-ball splitting the Ghanaian centre-backs, and Saka's first-time finish into the far corner. The second half opened with a jolt: Sulemana's incisive run down the right produced a low cross that Iñaki Williams — making his first World Cup start — swept home with authority. For fifteen minutes, Gillette Stadium buzzed with the possibility of a Ghanaian comeback. England's response was disciplined: Rice dropped deeper to screen, Bellingham pushed higher, and the game's decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute when Saka's cutback from the right byline found Bellingham arriving at pace to rifle low past Ati-Zigi. England's 4-3-3 ultimately proved too fluid and technically superior for a Ghanaian side whose best moments came on the counter. A winning start, but with room to grow.

• England generated 2.71 xG — their highest in a group opener since 2018, underlining attacking depth.
• Harry Kane's penalty was his 69th international goal, moving him further clear as England's all-time top scorer.
• Iñaki Williams' 55th-minute strike was Ghana's first goal against England in World Cup history.
• Bukayo Saka created 4 chances and registered a goal and an assist — the standout individual performance.
• Thomas Partey's early yellow card blunted Ghana's midfield aggression and handed England territorial control.
• Ghana's 37% possession was their lowest in a World Cup group game since South Africa 2010.
• Jude Bellingham's late strike sealed the points and took him to 3 World Cup goals across two tournaments.