Footage circulating on social media appears to show England full-back Djed Spence not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their World Cup match in Boston.

Partey was booed by England fans as he made his first appearance at this year’s World Cup, having missed his nation’s first game at the tournament.

The 33-year-old was denied entry into Canada after telling officials he had never been arrested nor charged with a crime, and missed Ghana’s 1-0 win against Panama in Toronto as a result.

Partey pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022 and is scheduled to stand trial next year.

BBC Sport understands the Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake with players before the match.

There were boos from the crowd at Boston Stadium as the Villarreal and former Arsenal midfielder’s name was read out over the public address system before the Group L match, while his touches of the ball were regularly met with jeers.

Partey said before Tuesday’s match he felt “ready to play” against England.

In a statement, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said last week: “The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey.

“However, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.” BBC

England were unable to replicate the free-flowing football that dismantled Croatia in their opening World Cup fixture, as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana at Boston Stadium.

Victory would have secured England’s place in the last 32, but Ghana’s stubborn organisation and disciplined defending denied them the breakthrough. England struggled to create clear chances, taking 57 minutes to register their first shot on target. Meanwhile, Ghana looked dangerous on the counter-attack, forcing anxious moments for Tuchel’s defence in a disjointed contest.

Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, whose minutes are being carefully managed due to an Achilles issue, and replaced Jude Bellingham with Morgan Rogers in search of inspiration. Saka forced a fine save from Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, while substitute Nico O’Reilly struck the bar with a header. Marc Guehi also saw his effort cleared off the line as England pressed for a winner.

Late drama nearly saw England punished when Ezri Konsa brought down Prince Kwabena Adu inside the area. Replays showed Konsa failed to make contact with the ball, but England escaped without conceding a penalty.

Despite the draw, England remain top of Group L. However, their qualification hopes now hinge on their final group game against Panama, where Tuchel’s men must secure the points needed to progress to the knockout stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again silenced his doubters with a record-breaking performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At 41 years old, the Portuguese legend scored twice in his nation’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a superb half-volley from Joao Cancelo’s cross, becoming the first player in history to score in six different World Cups. He added a second before halftime, finishing brilliantly from Bruno Fernandes’ through-ball. Only a goalline clearance denied him a first-half hat-trick, but his brace was enough to remind the world of his enduring brilliance.

The goals carried extra weight after Ronaldo faced heavy criticism for Portugal’s sluggish 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening Group K match. With Lionel Messi dazzling on the other side of the tournament—scoring a hat-trick in his opener and a brace in his second game to reach five goals—many of Ronaldo’s critics, particularly Messi supporters, had mocked him as “washed up.”

But Ronaldo’s defiant celebration told a different story. Staring into the television cameras, he shouted: “I’m back! I’m back!”—a message to those who had written him off. Post-match, he admitted it had been “a dark week” but credited hard work and faith for his resurgence: “I knew that God helps those who work. I held on, as I always do, because I believe more in hard work than anything else. We are back.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised his captain’s leadership, saying Ronaldo had been vital in lifting spirits after the disappointing draw: “Our captain is an icon. He works hard every day, improves every training session, and sets the standard in the dressing room. He was the perfect captain this week.”

Former teammate Wayne Rooney also weighed in, calling Ronaldo’s feat “incredible”: “To score two goals at the World Cup at 41 is unbelievable. He’s always responded to criticism like this throughout his career. Watching Messi last night and Ronaldo today—it’s incredible what they’re doing at their age.”

With Portugal now eyeing qualification against Colombia in their final group match, Ronaldo’s performance has not only reignited his team’s campaign but also reignited the eternal rivalry with Messi. The Argentine may lead the scoring charts with five goals, but Ronaldo’s double has reminded the world that he is far from finished.