The build-up to Ghana’s crucial FIFA World Cup group match against England in Boston has been stirred by discussions over whether players will engage in the traditional pre-match handshake involving Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey.
Reports from the United Kingdom indicate that England players will not be given any formal directive on the matter. Instead, they are expected to make individual choices on whether or not to shake hands before Tuesday’s Group L encounter, with the Football Association opting to keep the focus strictly on football.
The match carries significant weight for both sides. Ghana head into the fixture boosted by an opening win over Panama, while England are aiming to maintain momentum as they push for early qualification from a tightly contested group.
Partey is expected to feature for the first time in the tournament after missing Ghana’s opening game due to visa-related complications that prevented him from travelling to Canada. The Black Stars secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama in his absence, thanks to a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi.
His availability comes after reported difficulties with Canadian immigration authorities, who allegedly denied him entry over issues linked to information in his visa application. Attempts by Ghanaian officials to reverse the decision were unsuccessful, leading to his absence from the match in Canada.
Now cleared to join the squad in the United States, Partey’s return is seen as a major boost for Ghana. The experienced midfielder remains a key figure in the team and is expected to play an important role against an England side filled with Premier League talent.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is said to have avoided addressing any matters surrounding Partey’s off-field situation, focusing instead on tactical preparations for the game.
Attention is likely to remain high on the midfielder, given his past spell at Arsenal, where he shared dressing rooms with several England internationals, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Partey is scheduled to stand trial in London next year on multiple criminal charges, which he has denied. The situation continues to attract scrutiny in both Ghana and the United Kingdom as the World Cup progresses.
Despite the off-field discussions, Ghana’s focus remains firmly on performance. The Black Stars will be hoping that Partey’s return strengthens their midfield as they aim to secure another positive result.
England, meanwhile, will be looking to stay on track in their bid to advance from the group stage with maximum points or at least a strong position going into their final group fixture.
