Stormzy backs both sides as England and Ghana play out 0-0 draw in Boston

England and Ghana played out a 0-0 draw at Boston Stadium on Tuesday evening in their World Cup group-stage meeting, with rapper Stormzy among the most high-profile spectators navigating divided loyalties in the stands.

Stormzy, born in the UK with Ghanaian heritage through his mother, spoke to the BBC before kick-off about supporting both nations. “I’m a Ghana boy, so this is beautiful,” he said, surveying the crowd. “Everyone keeps asking me, ‘Who are you rooting for?’, and I’m like, ‘I’ll be honest, a nice 1-1 draw’.” He settled for something close enough.

The 32-year-old elaborated on his connection to each side: “Ghana, we need the points more than England need the points. But it’s just beautiful. It’s obviously both my heritages, so it’s a beautiful day for me.” He described the World Cup atmosphere as “chaotic,” adding that he had lost his sister in the crowd but felt “very blessed to be here.”

After the final whistle, Stormzy posted photographs from inside the stadium — including one posing with the match ball — and wrote: “Now for England to slap 3 or 4 past Panama and for Ghana to nick points against Croatia and we move forward! Grateful to of been part of a game that means a lot to me.”

Marcus Mumford, frontman of Mumford & Sons, watched the match in an England jersey alongside his bandmates, having performed at Fenway Park the previous night. Sir David Beckham was also present, spotted by American actress Alexandra Daddario — star of The White Lotus — who captured a selfie with Beckham giving a thumbs-up from the row above her.

Jeremy Clarkson, meanwhile, had offered two of his tickets on X before the game and later shared a photograph from the stands, joking about the need for a hydration break caused by a sliver of sunlight.