The pre-match handshake between England and Ghana descended into a moment of high tension as Djed Spence appeared to snub Thomas Partey, the Ghana midfielder facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. Footage circulating on social media captured the England full-back walking past Partey without offering his hand before Tuesday night's World Cup clash in Boston, a gesture that reflected the mood inside Gillette Stadium.
Partey, 33, was booed by England fans every time he touched the ball. His name had been met with jeers when read out over the public address system before kick-off. The former Arsenal midfielder, now at Villarreal, missed Ghana's opening win against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry into Canada — US Customs and Border Protection later confirmed he had told officials he had never been arrested nor charged, and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa. Partey has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to stand trial next year.
“Djed Spence refuses handshake with Thomas Partey as England fans boo the Ghana midfielder amid rape charges.”
The hostile atmosphere followed Partey onto the pitch, but on the field England could not break down a resolute Ghana side in a 0-0 draw — a sobering sequel to their opening 4-2 win over Croatia. The result left England needing a positive result against Panama on Saturday to top Group L, but fitness concerns now hang over two key players.
Declan Rice was spotted leaving the stadium with significant strapping on his left calf after a strong challenge near the corner flag in the second half. The Arsenal midfielder, who finished the match despite hitting the deck several times, played down the setback. “It is always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball as deep as they were, but you have to find solutions,” he told BBC Sport. “We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama so positivity all round.”
Spence, meanwhile, was substituted on 66 minutes and was seen limping heavily after the final whistle after appearing to jolt his ankle while defending a cross from Marvin Senaya. England's medical staff will assess both players at the team's Kansas City training base ahead of Saturday's showdown. England could still top the group, but the physical cost of a frustrating draw may prove decisive.