Before the World Cup match between England and Ghana, a significant moment occurred when Djed Spence appeared to refuse a handshake with Thomas Partey. This incident stood out as Spence was the only player from the England squad who did not engage in this customary pre-match gesture, which is typically observed in international football.

All other England players adhered to FIFA protocols by shaking hands with their opponents, including Partey, who is a former Arsenal midfielder. The absence of a handshake from Spence raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and commentators alike.

The Football Association (FA) did not issue specific guidance to England's players regarding the handshake protocol for the match against Ghana. This lack of direction may have contributed to the varying responses from players, with Spence's refusal to shake hands being particularly notable.

In previous matches, such as the one against Croatia, England players followed the expected protocol, which included handshakes with opponents. The inconsistency in Spence's actions compared to his teammates has led to speculation about the reasons behind his decision.

Adding complexity to the situation, Djed Spence is currently facing serious legal issues, having been charged with two further counts of rape. This context may influence public perception of his actions during the handshake incident.

Despite the controversy surrounding his refusal to shake hands, Spence was available to play in the match, having received a visa to compete in the United States. His performance on the field, coupled with the pre-match incident, has drawn significant media attention.