Declan Rice has heaped praise on Thomas Partey ahead of facing him and the Ghana national team, describing the former Arsenal teammate midfielder as a really good player.
England face Ghana in a crucial World Cup Group L fixture on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Both sides head into the match unbeaten after strong opening performances, with England recovering from two goals down to defeat Croatia 4-2 and Ghana grinding out a narrow 1-0 win over Panama thanks to a late strike. The result here could go a long way toward deciding early qualification and momentum in the group.
Declan Rice, speaking before the game, showed respect for the opposition by saying Thomas Partey is a really good player and noting that he has faced many Ghana players over the years who consistently bring pace and strength to the pitch. The Arsenal midfielder’s comments carry extra weight given his club connection to Partey, setting up an intriguing personal battle in the heart of the midfield.
The iconic Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, provides a spectacular backdrop under the lights, where a large traveling contingent of Ghanaian fans joins passionate England supporters to create a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere typical of World Cup nights.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, travel with a largely fit squad despite some minor concerns. Rice is expected to start after a precautionary substitution in the opener due to slight back and hamstring discomfort, having trained fully.
Harry Kane is fully fit and looking to add to his early tournament goals, while Bukayo Saka is likely to be eased in from the bench to manage an Achilles issue. Tuchel may rotate defensively, possibly bringing in Marc Guehi alongside options like Ezri Konsa or Nico O’Reilly in a back line that also features Reece James.
In midfield and attack, expect Rice to anchor alongside Elliot Anderson, with Jude Bellingham’s dynamic runs, and forwards including Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon supporting Kane in what is often a fluid 4-2-3-1 system. England aim to control possession, exploit quick transitions, and use set-pieces where their height and delivery can be decisive.
Ghana, under coach Carlos Queiroz, favor a compact and resilient shape that relies on disciplined defending and rapid counter-attacks. Partey’s presence in central midfield brings vital experience and steel after rejoining the squad, creating a direct duel with Rice and potential involvement from Saka.
Key threats include the pacy Antoine Semenyo, skipper Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, all capable of stretching defenses with direct running and power.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare or Lawrence Ati-Zigi will be protected by a back four featuring players such as Gideon Mensah, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, and Marvin Senaya, with midfielders like Caleb Yirenkyi offering support. Ghana will likely sit in a low-to-mid block before springing forward on the break.
Tactically, England are expected to dominate the ball and territory, using superior technical quality and positional play to probe Ghana’s organization. Tuchel’s side showed impressive fluidity against Croatia, with overlapping full-backs and Bellingham arriving late into dangerous areas.
Ghana, true to the qualities Rice highlighted, will look to absorb pressure, stay compact, and exploit transitions through their athleticism and pace on the flanks or in the channels. The midfield contest between Rice, Anderson, and Bellingham against Partey and his partners promises to be physical and decisive, while Kane’s hold-up play will test Ghana’s center-backs. Set-pieces and moments of individual brilliance from either side could prove game-changing.
A victory for England would virtually guarantee top spot in the group and smooth progression to the knockout stages with growing confidence. For Ghana, who are eager to advance beyond the group phase for the first time in recent World Cups, securing at least a point or ideally three would keep their campaign very much alive heading into the final round of matches.
The encounter promises intensity, tactical discipline from the Black Stars, and attacking flair from the Three Lions in what shapes up as a fascinating contest between European technical polish and African athleticism and resilience.