The former Arsenal midfielder is hoping to overcome off the field chaos which prevented him from playing against Panama in Canada as he prepares to face England
Ghana deputy captain and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey has insisted court proceedings and visa restrictions that denied him the chance to feature in Ghana’s first game of 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama will not affect him as the Black Stars fine tune for England.
The 31-year-old was handed a major blow following being denied visa to enter Canada and subsequently losing an appeal to the decision as he faces seven counts of rape and one count of harassment, which have raised a worldwide discussion.
However, he is expected to start in midfield as Ghana aim at topping Group L by defeating England on Tuesday night.
“Well, I think it’s part of football. Things happen in football that you cannot control. So, for me, now I feel okay and I’m ready to play,” Partey told the media ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Partey will be facing former Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka who are also expected to start for the Three Lions but amid the intense pressure in the game, he took time to laud their talents.
“Yeah, I know it’s not going to be easy. [England have] very good players, and I’m happy to really play against them,” he said.
With England winning 4-2 over Croatia in their first game last week, they lead Group L with three points and plus of two goals and a win over Ghana will mean they will top the group and avoid many strong contenders in the knockout stages.
