Partey declares readiness for England showdown as Black Stars eye group lead

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has confirmed he is fit and ready to feature in the Black Stars’ crucial FIFA World Cup Group L encounter against England, handing a major boost to the national team ahead of one of the tournament’s most highly anticipated matches.

The 33-year-old Villarreal midfielder missed Ghana’s opening 1-0 victory over Panama due to immigration and visa challenges that delayed his arrival in Canada before the start of the competition. However, Partey says those issues are now behind him and he is fully prepared to contribute to Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s showdown, the experienced midfielder expressed confidence in his fitness and readiness to help the Black Stars build on their winning start.

“For me, now I feel okay. I'm ready to play,” Partey said.

His return is expected to significantly strengthen Ghana’s midfield as the Black Stars prepare to face an England side widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy.

Despite growing anticipation over a possible midfield battle with England star Declan Rice, his former Arsenal teammate, Partey insisted Ghana’s focus remains on collective performance rather than individual rivalries.

According to the deputy captain, success at the World Cup is built on teamwork, discipline, and a shared commitment to achieving results.

Partey’s experience and leadership have made him a key figure in Ghana’s national team setup over the years, and his presence is expected to be invaluable as the Black Stars pursue qualification to the Round of 16.

The midfielder also revealed that morale within the Ghana camp remains high following the victory over Panama.

He said the players are motivated, focused, and determined to represent the country with distinction on football’s biggest stage.

Partey noted that the squad has embraced the excitement of the tournament while maintaining a strong commitment to hard work and continuous improvement.

“Every player understands the significance of the World Cup and is determined to make Ghana proud,” he indicated.

Ghana’s clash with England is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.

The Three Lions arrived at the tournament with a squad packed with world-class talent and are considered among the leading contenders for the title. Nevertheless, the Black Stars remain confident in their ability to compete with any opponent when performing at their highest level.

A positive result against England would significantly enhance Ghana’s chances of progressing from Group L and could place the Black Stars in a strong position to challenge for top spot in the group.

The match is scheduled to take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, June 23.

Ghana enter the contest on the back of a dramatic victory over Panama in their opening group match.

Teenage midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi emerged as the hero after scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure all three points for the Black Stars and ignite celebrations among Ghanaian supporters.

The victory highlighted the team’s resilience and fighting spirit, providing a solid foundation for the remainder of the group campaign.

Following the England fixture, Ghana will conclude its Group L matches against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

With qualification to the knockout stages at stake, Partey’s return could prove a decisive factor as the Black Stars continue their quest for World Cup success and seek to add another memorable chapter to Ghana’s football history.