Segun Atanda/
Djed Spence and Thomas Partey were involved in a pre-match handshake moment during England’s Group L fixture against Ghana in Boston, as Ghana confirmed qualification for the knockout stage of the tournament.
Spence was seen briefly acknowledging Ghana players before appearing to withdraw his hand as Partey approached.
He placed his hand in his jacket pocket and later resumed handshakes with other players after Partey moved past.
All other England players shook hands with the Ghana midfielder.
The match was played against the backdrop of off-field matters involving Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, who has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022.
He is due to stand trial in the United Kingdom next year. He has not been convicted of any offence.
Reports also indicated that Partey was denied entry to Canada for Ghana’s opening Group L fixture against Panama following a visa appeal process that led to a court hearing in Ottawa.
It has been reported that the application allegedly did not fully disclose prior arrest and charge information, though this has not been independently verified by authorities.
England midfielder Declan Rice, who previously played alongside Partey at Arsenal, spoke ahead of the match about his former teammate’s qualities, describing him as a strong and intelligent midfielder, while also referencing England’s preparation for Ghana’s tactical approach.
England supporters reacted during the team announcements, with Partey reportedly booed when his name was read out over the public address system.
Ghana’s result ensured qualification for the knockout stage of the competition.
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