The English FA are reportedly considering their stance over England's pre-match handshake with Ghana's Thomas Partey.

Ghana will take on the Three Lions in their second group stage match at the World Cup on Tuesday, June 23.

The two sides will meet at Boston Stadium, the tournament's name for Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

FA talks

According to The Times, the FA plan to discuss how the players will deal with a potential pre-match handshake with Partey.

It is customary for the starting players from both sides to shake hands on the pitch prior to kick-off.

Partey could start against England after being named in Ghana's final 26-man squad for the tournament.

It comes ahead of the midfielder standing trial on rape charges at Southwark Crown Court in London.

The 32-year-old was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025.

Partey was subsequently charged with two additional counts of rape in February of this year.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

His trial had been scheduled to take place in November, but may now be delayed until early 2027.

Speaking in February, Partey’s defence lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated fully with the police throughout. Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, there will be no further comment.”

Partey, who now plays for Villarreal, spent five years with Arsenal before leaving the club last summer.

During that time, he was teammates with England stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

The duo are likely to start for Thomas Tuchel's side in North America this summer.

Partey was included in Carlos Queiroz's final squad for the World Cup this week.

Under the conditions of his bail, he must notify authorities of any plans to travel abroad.

US federal law also requires Partey to declare this upon his entry into the country.

Ghana are set to be based in Rhode Island during the tournament, with their matches against Panama and Croatia in Toronto and Philadelphia, respectively.

Partey has 57 caps for Ghana after starting the friendly against Wales on Tuesday.

The midfielder played the first 45 minutes before being substituted as Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.