Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey says he is ready to face England on Tuesday night despite being denied entry to Canada for the Black Stars' World Cup opener – a decision that stemmed from ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK. The 33-year-old former Arsenal player, now at Villarreal, missed Ghana’s win against Panama last week after telling Canadian officials he had never been arrested or charged, a claim contradicted by seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault to which he has pleaded not guilty. The allegations, brought by four different women and relating to events between 2020 and 2022, are scheduled to go to trial next year. "It's part of football," Partey said. "Things happen outside football that you cannot control. For me now, I feel OK and ready to play." US customs and border protection said last week that Partey, who was issued a visa, had not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States. He is expected to feature against England in Boston.
The match comes as England manager Thomas Tuchel warns his players to keep "calm" heads, with FIFA enforcing strict new rules for referees at this tournament. Paraguay's Miguel Almirón became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth in a confrontational situation. "It always can change in an instant," Tuchel said. "You're always just one red card away from a completely new situation." The England boss urged his squad to stay focused, adding: "The most important is to be aware that things can get sticky, things can get tough, things can get difficult." Things nearly did get sticky in England's opener against Croatia, when two leads were surrendered. Assistant coach Anthony Barry let rip at half-time, describing the performance as "complicated and confusing" with "fearful patterns" – a rant Tuchel said he "loved".
“Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, facing rape charges, says he is ready to play England after being denied entry to Canada.”
Meanwhile, Declan Rice enters the fixture having played more matches than any other player in Tuchel's squad this season, with the Arsenal midfielder expected to carry the burden of a draining title race into the World Cup. Rice has issued a promise for the tournament, though its specifics remain undisclosed.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said his players are "fully motivated" to face England. "This is the easiest type of match, because when you're about to play against England, France or Germany, you don't need to say anything to the players," he added.