England and Tottenham full-back Jed Spence refused to shake Thomas Partey’s hand before the Three Lions drew with Ghana at the Boston World Cup.
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JUNE 23: England manager Thomas Tuchel attends a press conference after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: 2026 FIFA)
Manager Thomas Tuchel was unable to answer a question in his post-match press conference about manager Jed Spence’s decision to ignore his pre-match handshake with Thomas Partey.
The Tottenham full-back appeared to have his hands down and in his pockets as former Arsenal midfielder Partey approached.
Spence was the only England player not to shake hands with the Ghanaian midfielder, who was refused entry to Canada for the opening World Cup group game against Panama in Toronto.
The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which allegedly occurred between 2020 and 2022, and is scheduled to go on trial next year.
At the post-match press conference, Tuchel was asked to comment on Spence’s decision to disrespect Partey, but was prevented from doing so by England communications director Andy Walker, citing “legal” issues.
Defender Dan Byrne was also prevented from answering a question about whether England players were willing to shake Partey’s hand in the build-up to the match.
Tuchel initially appeared ready to answer questions, also reflecting on his team’s dominant performance and result at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, but he did not comment.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz also weighed in on Spence’s decision to ignore the party, saying: “As per Thomas’ comments, it (the handshake) did not happen. We refuse to be part of those who try to bring garbage and politics into the game.”
“We’re fighting to keep the front line sacred. Sometimes it’s difficult, but it happens. We have to celebrate everyone who played the game and leave politics outside the game.”
On the pitch, the Three Lions endured frustration as they drew their second game in four consecutive major tournaments.
Nico O’Reilly’s shot hit the crossbar and was cleared on the line, putting pressure on Ghana who were defending with a deep block.
Jed Spence didn’t shake hands with Thomas Partey
However, Carlos Queiroz’s side felt they could have won a second-half penalty when Ezri Konsa caught Prince Kwabena Adu inside the penalty area.
Captain Harry Kane shared his disappointment when England missed a chance to claw their way back into the lead, saying: “Obviously it’s disappointing not to have won the game. We knew we had a lot of possession in this game and we actually had a lot of possession. We did that, but the opponent defended us well with a low, compact block, making it difficult to play in the center or on the pitch. So the match was a one-on-one duel outside the field. I think we had momentum and chances at both ends in the first half and second half.
“It was a game where we could have gotten away with 1-0, 2-0 and moved on. It wasn’t our best game by any means, given the way they played. Thanks to them, they defended well, but they were dangerous on the counter-attack. Overall, we defended pretty well. They didn’t have many chances. We took the points and moved on.”
England play Panama in New Jersey in their final Group L game on Saturday.
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