Bukayo Saka trained fully with the England squad on Sunday, a timely fitness boost for Thomas Tuchel before Tuesday’s World Cup clash against Ghana in Boston – a match overshadowed by the presence of former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who faces six rape charges.
The Arsenal winger, nursing an Achilles tendinitis issue, had only done individual work on Saturday but took part in the penultimate session. Despite the setback, Saka started on the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia, with Tuchel indicating he is unlikely to start until the third group game against Panama. The 24-year-old has been carrying the problem for a while, with concern at Arsenal, though the club deemed him fit enough to play during their Premier League title run-in.
“Saka trains fully as England face Ghana and rape-accused Partey; FA leaves handshake decision to players.”
On the pitch, Harry Kane – already with two goals in the tournament – may need to adapt his game in Saka’s absence. The captain often drops deep to create chances when the Arsenal forward is sidelined, threading passes for runners like Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon. Against Croatia, that approach worked “to devastating effect”, according to analysis, with Jude Bellingham also driving beyond Kane.
But the looming handshake with Partey threatens to dominate the occasion. The former Villarreal midfielder, set to be released at the end of his contract this month, will line up for Ghana after being granted a US visa. Canadian officials refused him entry for Ghana’s opening match in Toronto, but he is available in Boston. Partey was charged last year with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, plus two further rape charges. He has denied all accusations; his lawyer says he welcomes the chance to clear his name.
The Football Association has remained coy on the pre-match ritual, leaving England’s players – including former clubmates Declan Rice and Saka – to decide whether to shake hands with Partey. Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, a former Manchester United assistant, insists on presumption of innocence. “Let events run their normal course, let the river flow and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we will find the truth,” he said.
Partey is not the only accused player at the World Cup. Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano was arrested for gang-rape in 2024, with charges dropped after an apology and payment to the complainant.