England’s World Cup campaign lurched from euphoria to frustration on Tuesday night as Thomas Tuchel’s side laboured to a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston — a match overshadowed by Djed Spence’s apparent refusal to shake hands with Thomas Partey, and a brutal on-air jibe from a Fox Sports commentator.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show England full-back Spence not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Partey before the Group L match at Gillette Stadium. Partey, 33, pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022, and is scheduled to stand trial next year. He was booed by England fans as his name was read out, and his touches of the ball were regularly met with jeers. BBC Sport understands the Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake with players before the match.
“England draw 0-0 with Ghana as Djed Spence appears to snub Thomas Partey's handshake and Fox pundit mocks 'English struggle'.”
Inside the opening minutes, Fox Sports commentator John Strong delivered a playful dig that ricocheted around social media: “As we know, the English historically struggle here in Massachusetts.” The jibe referenced the 18th-century American Revolutionary War, as the USA celebrates its 250th birthday this year. One fan called it “commentator’s curse in reverse”, while another said: “Best line of the World Cup so far.”
On the pitch, England never truly got going. Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana restricted the Three Lions to just three shots on target, and Harry Kane spurned the best chance late on. The i newspaper’s player ratings gave Anthony Gordon a 4/10 for a “non-existent” performance, while Declan Rice was described as England’s best player, “always looked for that forward pass”. Elliot Anderson almost made himself a hero with a late header that came out off the bar.
Despite the flat display, Arsenal midfielder Rice issued a rallying cry afterwards. “England will almost certainly still win the group,” the i’s Pete Hall wrote, but added that after the zeal shown against Croatia, “this flat performance provided Thomas Tuchel with more questions than answers.” Rice himself was later spotted limping, handing England a new injury worry.
The draw blows the group wide open, but for now, England fans are left with the memory of a Boston tea party turned sour, and a pundit’s line that may echo longer than the result.