World Cup 2026: Thomas Partey will be the 'game changer' against England - Akwatia MP

Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has tipped deputy captain Thomas Partey to be the key figure for Ghana when the Black Stars take on England in a pivotal Group L encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Partey was absent for Ghana's opening match against Panama, where the Black Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

The midfielder was unable to travel after Canadian authorities denied his visa application because of criminal charges currently pending against him.

The 33-year-old attempted to overturn the decision through an emergency application, but the Canadian Federal Court upheld the visa refusal.

Speaking on Adom FM, Baidoo stressed that Ghana missed Partey's leadership, composure and experience in midfield during the win over Panama.

The lawmaker believes the former Arsenal midfielder's influence could prove decisive against one of the tournament favourites.

"Thomas Partey will be the difference-maker against England; he's fired up and ready to take control of the game," Baidoo said.

Ghana currently occupy second place in Group L, behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

The Black Stars now shift their focus to a high-stakes showdown against the Three Lions at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia four days later.

Having already secured three points from their opening match, coach Carlos Queiroz and his side will be aiming to build on their winning start as they seek a place in the knockout rounds for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.