When England line up against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, two storylines will dominate: Bukayo Saka's fitness and Thomas Partey's presence. Saka, nursing an Achilles tendinitis issue, has given Thomas Tuchel a boost by training with the squad, but the manager says he is unlikely to start until the third group game. Meanwhile, Partey faces England and his former Arsenal teammates after being charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, which he denies.
Saka's injury has been a concern for Arsenal and England. The 24-year-old has been carrying the issue for a while, and the club deemed him fit enough to start regularly during their title-winning run-in. It is understood his Achilles problem has not worsened since the end of the domestic campaign. He started on the bench in England's 4-2 win over Croatia, and his limited involvement means Harry Kane may need to take on more creative responsibility. Kane, who has scored 69 goals in 59 matches for club and country since August, often drops deep when Saka is not on the pitch to thread passes to runners like Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon.
“Explains the key storylines in England's World Cup match against Ghana, including Bukayo Saka's injury and Thomas Partey's legal case.”
Partey's legal situation adds a layer of controversy. The former Arsenal midfielder was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault last year, and later with two further counts of rape. He has denied all charges. His lawyer says he welcomes the chance to clear his name. Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has maintained that Partey should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty. Partey missed Ghana's opening game against Panama because Canadian officials refused him entry, but he is available to play in Boston after the US granted him a visa. The FA has left England's players to decide whether to shake hands with Partey in the pre-match ceremony. Two of his former Arsenal teammates, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, are in the England squad.
For UK readers, this match matters not only for England's World Cup campaign but also for the ethical questions it raises. Partey is not the only player accused of rape at this World Cup: Japan's Kaishu Sano was arrested for gang-rape in 2024, though charges were dropped after he apologised and made a payment. The football authorities have faced criticism for allowing such players to compete while facing serious allegations.
Q: Is Bukayo Saka fit to play against Ghana? Saka trained normally with the England squad on Sunday, but Thomas Tuchel has said he is unlikely to start until the third group game against Panama. He is nursing an Achilles tendinitis issue that has been managed carefully.
Q: Why is Thomas Partey able to play in the World Cup despite being charged with rape? Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, which he denies. He has not been convicted, and the Ghanaian FA has selected him on the presumption of innocence. The US granted him a visa to play in Boston.
Q: How does Saka's absence affect Harry Kane's role? Without Saka, Kane tends to drop deeper to create chances, as he did against Croatia. This allows teammates like Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon to run beyond him, making England more unpredictable.
What happens next: England face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, aiming to seal passage to the knockout phase. Partey's trial is scheduled for next year at Southwark Crown Court. England will then play Panama in their third group game, where Saka may be fit to start.