Ghana’s all-time leading scorer at the FIFA World Cup, Asamoah Gyan, has labelled England as favourites in Group L but remains confident the Black Stars can progress to the next stage of the tournament.

Ghana have been drawn alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

The Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23.

Speaking in New York during the unveiling of Ghana’s World Cup jersey by PUMA, Gyan acknowledged England’s strength but insisted Ghana’s focus is on qualification.

"We are playing against England, we are in the same group. You know, on paper, England of course, one of the best in the world right now," Gyan told PUMA in New York during the unveiling of the national team Jersey for the World Cup.

"You know but people are optimistic about that game. To play against England. I'm not thinking about playing England, I just want Ghana to qualify from the group stage to go to the next stage of the competition, so we'll see what happens. But Ghana against England is going to be a very, very good game."

The former Black Stars captain has fond memories against England, having scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 international friendly draw in 2011 after Andy Carroll had given the Three Lions the lead.

Gyan, who holds the record as Africa’s top scorer at the World Cup with six goals, also reflected on his legacy and expressed hope that a new generation of Ghanaian players will surpass his achievement.

"For me, records are set to be broken. So, personally I count myself lucky to be at that level, to score six goals in World Cup history. The only African to score six goals in World Cup history. And yes, the record is there to be broken. So I wish this new generation well, to perform so well. One might come up and break the record."

Puma has been Ghana's kit sponsor since 2008, and Gyan highlighted the role of the sportswear in his career and its continued support for Ghana football.

"PUMA has been our main sponsor for more than a decade. In Ghana, and a World Cup year to have the national team jerseys and everything, and I'm very happy to be a part of it. Personally when I was playing, I was working with PUMA so I know what PUMA has done for me and what PUMA is doing for my country as well, and other countries. So I'm here for PUMA."