Tuchel silenced on Djed Spence's handshake snub of Thomas Partey at World Cup

Thomas Tuchel was prevented from addressing Djed Spence’s pointed refusal to shake Thomas Partey’s hand during his post-match press conference after England drew 0-0 with Ghana at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Tuesday. England Communications Lead Andy Walker intervened when a reporter raised the question, citing legal reasons before Tuchel could respond.

Spence, the Tottenham full-back, appeared to direct his hand downward and place it in his pocket as Partey approached him during the pre-match handshake line — the only England player not to greet the Ghanaian midfielder. Partey, 33, had already missed Ghana’s opening Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry into Canada. He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, all alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2022, and is due to stand trial next year.

Tuchel had appeared ready to field the question before Walker stepped in, leaving the incident unaddressed publicly. The German did reflect on England’s laboured display, in which they hit the crossbar through Nico O’Reilly and had another effort cleared off the line against a Ghana side that defended in a deep block throughout.

Carlos Queiroz’s team also felt they had a case for a penalty in the second half when Ezri Konsa caught Prince Kwabena Adu inside the box, though no spot-kick was awarded.

Captain Harry Kane acknowledged the frustration of dropping points. “Obviously disappointed not to win the game,” he said. “It’s a game we knew we had loads of possession, we did and they defended well in a low compact block and made it difficult to play in the middle of the pitch. It’s a game we could’ve walked away 1-0, 2-0 and moved on. We take the point and move on.”

The result means England have now drawn their second game at four successive major tournaments. They will face Panama in New Jersey in their final Group L fixture on Saturday, needing a win to guarantee top spot.