Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has declared himself fit and ready for Ghana’s pivotal FIFA World Cup Group L match against England on Tuesday, June 23 at the Gillette Stadium.
The 33-year-old Villarreal midfielder missed Ghana’s opening 1-0 victory over Panama due to immigration and visa issues that delayed his entry into Canada before the tournament began. Now with the team in Massachusetts, Partey confirmed his readiness to assist Ghana’s push for the knockout stage.
“For me, now I feel okay. I’m ready to play,” he said.
His return provides a major boost to the four-time African champions’ midfield as they prepare to face a highly-rated England squad. Despite public anticipation surrounding a midfield showdown between Partey and his former Arsenal teammate Declan Rice, the deputy captain emphasized that Ghana’s strategy relies on collective teamwork rather than individual matchups, noting that tournament success requires unity, discipline, and shared responsibility.
According to Partey, the squad remains focused, motivated, and fully aware of the stakes on football’s biggest stage.
Ghana enters the high-profile fixture with momentum following a dramatic opening match against Panama, where teenage midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner to secure three points. A positive result against England would greatly enhance Ghana’s position in Group L and keep them in contention for the top spot.
Following Tuesday’s match, the Black Stars will travel to Philadelphia to conclude their group stage campaign against Croatia on Saturday, June 27.